In LRFD method, the loads are generally magnified by a set of load factors that depends on the
nature and significance of the load combinations. In this project, we tried and evaluated the
load factor for live loads in schools for some load combinations based on reliability analysis.
The resulting live load factors will be compared against factors recommended by design codes,
such as UBC, IBC and ASCE.
The project will be done through stages: First, data on the variation of live loads in certain
types of schools in Palestine will be collected and processed. Second, reliability analysis will
be performed to obtain the live load factors considering different strength criteria for different
levels of reliability index. Third, the resulting load factors will be compared against those
recommended by design codes.
The new load factors will be applied to the design of a typical school in Palestine and the results
of the design will be compared to the design that would use code-specified load factors. The
comparison will focus on the economic and safety aspects of the design.
In Part 2 of the project, we proposed another floor system to replace the commonly used
system (of slab-on-drop-beams). The alternate floor system is a flat plate system. All checks
and comparisons will be done based on the seismic analysis and design of the selected school
building. We found that the steel reinforcement quantities and concrete volumes of the two
systems are comparable but with the advantage of flat plate being easier to construct and
requires simpler formwork and can lead to savings in the construction phase.