What is LRFD? LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design) is a method used in building and structural design to ensure reliability across different materials and load conditions. It's especially useful in performance-based design, where you focus on how a structure will be used and perform, rather than just following prescriptive codes.
In this interactive, online course, we'll dive into load factors, resistance factors, and reliability theory. Plus, we'll take a look at how LRFD design applies to four common building materials: wood, steel, concrete, and masonry, exploring how each material handles design under this approach.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify LRFD principles for concrete, masonry, wood, and steel design
- Explain why this design method yields more economical results in performance-based design scenarios
- Select factors of safety to prevent collapse or severe structural deformation
- Compare the LRFD design method with the Allowable Stress Method for a limited number of members to make a cost comparison of the two solutions