Reliability analysis for tension and compression designs of steel truss elements using Vietnamese codes

This study performs a reliability analysis to assess the probabilistic safety levels of the truss members designed by Vietnamese design codes. Based on the investigations, the suitability of the load and the resistance factors currently specified in the design codes are examined. For this purpose, two truss structures are first designed using the load and actions code (TCVN 2737-2020) and the current design code for steel structures (TCVN 5575-2012). Monte Carlo simulations are then carried out for the design solutions. The results disclose that the reliability indexes estimated for the strength limit states are relatively close to the target value of 3.8, which is recommended in Eurocode. The compression designs seem to be overestimated when using the national codes. The compression bars are then redesigned with modified resistance factors of 0.95. The reliability analyses are again performed, and the results reveal that the resistance factor of 0.95 is more reasonably applied.