Limit state design
Contents |
[edit] What is limit state design
Loading or other actions imposed on a structure can result in a ‘limit state’, where the structure’s condition no longer fulfils its design criteria, such as; fitness for use, structural integrity, durability, and so on. Limit states are conditions of potential failure.
Limit state design (LSD) is a structural engineering design method. All actions likely to occur during a structure’s design life are considered to ensure that the structure remains fit for use with appropriate levels of reliability. Limit state design involves estimating the subjected loads on a structure, choosing the sizes of members to check, and selecting the appropriate design criteria.
Limit state design requires that two principal criteria are satisfied:
- Ultimate limit state (ULS).
- Serviceability limit state (SLS).
[edit] Ultimate limit state (ULS)
Ultimate limit state (ULS) is design for the safety of a structure and its users by limiting the stress that materials experience.
The ultimate limit state is a purely elastic condition, usually located at the upper part of its elastic zone (approximately 15% lower than the elastic limit). This is in contrast to the ultimate state (US) which involves excessive deformations approaching structural collapse, and is located deeply within the plastic zone.
If all factored bending, shear and tensile or compressive stresses are below the calculated resistances then a structure will satisfy the ULS criterion. Safety and reliability can be assumed as long as this criterion is fulfilled, since the structure will behave in the same way under repetitive loadings.
BS EN 1990 Eurocode – 'Basis of structural design' describes four ultimate limit states:
- EQU: Loss of static equilibrium of the structure.
- STR: Internal failure or excessive deformation of the structure.
- GEO: Failure or excessive deformation of the ground.
- FAT: Fatigue failure of the structure.
[edit] Serviceability limit state (SLS)
Servicability limit state (SLS) is design to ensure a structure is comfortable and useable. This includes vibrations and deflections (movements), as well as cracking and durability. These are the conditions that are not strength-based but still may render the structure unsuitable for its intended use, for example, it may cause occupant discomfort under routine conditions. It might also involve limits to non-structural issues such as acoustics and heat transmission.
Servicability limit state requirements tend to be less rigid than strength-based limit states as the safety of the structure is not in question.
A structure must remain functional for its intended use subject to routine loading in order to satisfy SLS criterion.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Adaptive structures.
- Anticlastic structures.
- Biaxial bending.
- Braced frame.
- Building science.
- Concept structural design of buildings.
- Defects in construction.
- Lateral loads.
- Material utilisation (MUT).
- Shear force.
- Structural engineer.
- Structural steelwork.
- Structural vibration.
- Synclastic.
- Types of structural load.
[edit] External resources
- BGStructural Engineering - LSD
- Handbook of structural steelwork, Eurocode Edition, 2013.
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.