Global safety format for non-linear analysis of reinforced concrete structures

Semi-probabilistic safety formats for the non-linear analysis of reinforced concrete structures are of practical interest for structural designers. The safety format proposed in EN 1992-2 enables a safety assessment through a non-linear structural analysis and the application of a global safety factor, which is defined as the ratio between the representative and design values of the material resistances. A more realistic estimate of the global safety factor can be obtained from the distribution of the structural response. This paper proposes a safety format based on the mean values of the material resistances and a global resistance factor. Its practical application in the structural design of concrete beams and columns is also presented.