DESIGN OF RC STUCTURES:

Limit states design method: The philosophy of the limit states method of design
(LSM) represents a definite advancement over the traditional design philosophies.
Unlike WSM, which based calculations on service load conditions alone, and unlike
ultimate load method, which based calculations on ultimate load conditions alone,
limit state method aims for a comprehensive and rational solution to the design
problem, by considering safety at ultimate loads and serviceability at working
loads. A limit state is a state of impending failure , beyond which a structure yields
to perform its intended function satisfactorily, in terms of either safety or
serviceability.

There are two types of limit states:

1. Ultimate limit states which deal with strength, overturning, sliding, buckling,
fatigue fracture etc.

2. Serviceability limit states which deal with discomfort to occupancy and/or

malfunction, caused by excessive deflection, crack width, vibration etc.