Difference between WSM & LSM:

BASIS OF
WORKING STRESS METHOD LIMIT STATE METHOD
COMPARISON

This method can also be referred to as This method can also be referred to as non-
deterministic method because the method deterministic because the method is based upon
Description
assumes that the actual loads, permissible stresses the probabilistic approach which depends upon
and factors of safety are known.   the actual data or experience.  

The stresses in an element is obtained from the

The stresses are obtained from design loads and
Stresses working loads and compared with permissible
compared with design strength.  
stresses.  

It is based on the elastic theory which assumes that It is based on the actual stress-strain curves of
Basis concrete and steel are elastic and stress strain steel and concrete. For concrete the stress-strain
curve is linear for both.   curve is non-linear.  

The material capabilities are not under estimated

Material capabilities are under estimated to large
Material as much as they are in working stress method.
extent. Factors of safety are used in working stress
Capability Partial safety factors are used in limit state
method.  
method.  

Ultimate load carrying capacity cannot be The ultimate stresses of materials itself are used
Ultimate Load
predicted accurately.   as allowable stresses.  

In this method, the material follows Hooke’s law as In state method, stress is allowed to cross the
Principle
stress is not allowed to cross the yield limit.   yield limit.  

In this method, a section which is plane normal to

In this method, a section which is plane before
Plane Section the axis of structural component remains plane
bending remains plane after bending.  
after bending.  

In this method, design loads are obtained by

Factor Of Safety In this method, no factor of safety is used for loads. multiplying partial safety factors of load to the
working loads.  

Economical The method is less economical as it gives thicker The method is more economical as it gives thinner
Sense sections.   sections.  

Characteristic Average or statistic values are used in working Characteristic values derived from probabilistic
Values stress method.   approach are used in limit state method.