Section 2 11/10/06 5:10 pm Page 4

2.3.4 Design values of actions

The design value of an action is gFyFk
where
y = a factor that converts the characteristic value of an action into a representative
value. It adjusts the value of the action to account for the joint probability of
the actions occurring simultaneously and can assume the values equal to:
1.0 for a permanent action
y0 or y1 or y2 for a variable action when it occurs simultaneously
with other variable actions. See Tables 2.1 and 2.2 which are derived
from BS EN 1990 and its National Annex [5a].
gF = partial factor for the action (see Table 2.2)

yFk may be considered as the representative action, Frep, appropriate to the limit state being
considered.

BS EN 1990: Table 2.2 indicates the partial factors to be used for the combinations of representative actions
A1.2.2 in building structures. Table 2.1 shows how characteristic values of variable actions are
& NA converted into representative values.

For the ULS of strength, the designer may choose between using Exp. (6.10) or the less
BS EN 1990: favourable of Exps. (6.10a) and (6.10b). Exp. (6.10) leads to the use of gF = gG = 1.35 for
A1.3.1(1) permanent actions and gF = gQ = 1.50 for variable actions (gG for permanent actions is intended
& NA to be constant across all spans). Exp. (6.10) is always equal to or more conservative than the
least favourable of Exps. (6.10a) and (6.10b).

Except in the case of concrete structures supporting storage loads where y0 = 1.0, or for
mixed use, Exp. (6.10b) will usually apply. Thus gF = gG = 1.25 for permanent actions and
gF = gQ = 1.50 for variable actions will be applicable to most concrete structures. In other
words, for members supporting vertical actions 1.25Gk + 1.5Qk will be appropriate for
most situations at ULS.

Table 2.1
Values of s factors

Action s0 s1 s2

Imposed loads in buildings

Category A: domestic, residential areas 0.7 0.5 0.3
Category B: office areas 0.7 0.5 0.3
Category C: congregation areas 0.7 0.7 0.6
Category D: shopping areas 0.7 0.7 0.6
Category E: storage areas 1.0 0.9 0.8
Category F: traffic area vehicle weight ≤ 30 kN 0.7 0.7 0.6
Category G: traffic area 30 kN < vehicle weight ≤ 160 kN 0.7 0.5 0.3
Category H: roofsa 0.7 0.0 0.0
Snow loads where altitude ≤ 1000 m above sea levela 0.5 0.2 0.0
Wind loadsa 0.5 0.2 0.0
Temperature effects (non-fire)a 0.6 0.5 0.0
Note
The numerical values given above are in accordance with BS EN 1990 and its UK National Annex
Key
a See also BS EN 1991

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Basis of design

Table 2.2
Partial factors (aF) for use in verification of limit states in persistent and transient design situations

Limit state Permanent actions Leading variable Accompanying Reference

(Gk) action (Qk,1) variable actions (Qk,i)

a) Equilibrium (EQU) Set A

gG,sup (gG,inf)a gQ,1 gQ,iy0,i BS EN 1990 Table A1.2(A) (Set A)
UK values 1.10 (0.9)a 1.50 (0.0)a 1.50y0,i (0.0)a NA to BS EN 1990
b) Strength at ULS (STR/GEO) not involving geotechnical actions Set B
Either
Exp. (6.10) gG gQ y0gQ BS EN 1990 Exp. (6.10) & Table A1.2(B)
UK values 1.35 (1.0)a 1.5 1.5y0 NA to BS EN 1990
or worst case of
Exp. (6.10a) gG y0,1gQ y0,igQ BS EN 1990 Exp. (6.10a) & Table A1.2(B)
UK values 1.35 (1.0)a 1.5y0 1.5y0 NA to BS EN 1990
and
Exp. (6.10b) xgG gQ y0gQ BS EN 1990 Exp. (6.10b) & Table A1.2(B)
UK values 0.925 x 1.35 = 1.25 1.5 1.5y0 NA to BS EN 1990
(1.0)a
c) Strength at ULS with geotechnical actions (STR/GEO)
Worst case of
Set B gG1 gQ1 BS EN 1990 Table A1.2(B)
UK values 1.35 (1.0)a 1.5 (0.0)a NA to BS EN 1990
or
Set C gG2 gQ2 BS EN 1990 Table A1.2(C)
UK values 1.0 1.3 NA to BS EN 1990
d) Serviceability
Characteristic 1.00 1.00 1.00y0,i
Frequent 1.00 1.00y1,1 1.00y2,i BS EN 1990 Table A1.4
Quasi-permanent 1.00 1.00y2,1 1.00y2,i

e) Accidental design situations

Exp. (6.11a) gG,sup or (gG,inf) y1,1b y2,i BS EN 1990 Exp. (6.11a)
UK values 1.00 y1,1b y2,i NA to BS EN 1990

Key
a Value if favourable
b Leading accidental action (Ad)

Notes
The values of y are given in Table 2.1.
Where the variation between Gk,sup and Gk,inf is not great, say < 10%, Gk is taken to represent permanent action.
Geotechnical actions given in the table are based on Design Approach 1 in Clause A1.3.1(5) of BS EN 1990, which is recommended in the
National Annex for BS EN 1990.

Variable actions may be subjected to reduction factors: aA, according to area supported (m2),
A, and/or an according to number of storeys supported, n. BS EN 1991-1-1
aA = 1.0 – A/1000 ≥ 0.75 6.3.1.2 (10),
an = 1.1 – n/10 for 1 ≤ n ≤ 5 6.3.1.2 (11)
= 0.6 for 5 ≤ n ≤ 10 and & NA
= 0.5 for n > 10