Question

Load factor is defined as:
1. Ultimate load / yield load
2. Yield load / working load
3. Ultimate load / working load
4. None of the above

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Ultimate load / working load

Explanation:

Load factor in plastic design:

• Load factor is the ratio of ultimate collapse load to the working load that can be applied on the structure.
• Load Factor = Factor of safety x Shape factor.
• As factor of safety at member level largely depends upon the nature of loading, support conditions and mode of failure, so the load factor also depends upon those factors.
• The shape factor of a member solely depends upon the geometry of the cross sectional area, so the load factor also depends on the geometrical shape of the member.
• Normally a load factor of 1.7 to 2 is used in plastic design method.