System reliability-based criteria for the design of steel storage rack frames by advanced analysis: Part II – Reliability analysis and design applications

Abstract

This is the second of two papers introducing the underpinning structural analyses and reliability studies that implement the system-based design-by-analysis method of steel rack frames, referred to as the Direct Design Method (DDM). The present paper presents the reliability analyses and derivation of system reliability index (β) versus system resistance factors (ϕs) curves. Results are presented for nominal system strengths as per Australian Standard AS4084 for several nominal models, including models that exclude sectional imperfections, and models without member and sectional imperfections. The effect of model uncertainty is also assessed. A detailed example of the DDM applied to the design of a rack frame is presented and the benefits of the DDM are demonstrated when compared to the traditional design approach which is based on elastic analysis.