Example Problem on Load Combination using MathCAD Prime 4.

A column (compression member) in the upper story of a building is subject to the

following loads.

Dead kips compression

Live kips compression

Roof kips compression

Snow kips compression

Determine the controlling load combination and the nominal strength if =0.90
and =1.67. Use LRFD and ASD.

Solution : LRFD Method

Note: Rain is zero because it is not given. S is greater than Lr therefore use S
in the equation

Note: Rain and Wind are zero because it is not given. S is greater than Lr
therefore use S and L in the equation

Note : In 3,4 and 5, L may be reduced to 0.5L if L is no greater than 100psf

(4.8KPa) except for garages or places of public assembly.

Using same argument this equation reduces to

obviously less than Comb 3

Note : In 3,4 and 5, L may be reduced to 0.5L if L is no greater than 100psf

(4.8KPa) except for garages or places of public assembly.
 Note: Earthquake is zero because it is not given.

obviously less than Comb 4

Note : In 3,4 and 5, L may be reduced to 0.5L if L is no greater than 100psf

(4.8KPa) except for garages or places of public assembly.

Comb 6 and 7 are not applicable since Wind and

Eartquake are zero and results obviously lower than the
above

"Units are in kips"

Note : In 3,4 and 5, L may be reduced to 0.5L if L is no greater than 100psf

(4.8KPa) except for garages or places of public assembly.

Hence the controlling Load Combination is the maximum of the values Comb1,
Comb2, Comb3, Comb4 and Comb5

kips

And the Nominal Strength Rn is

kips
Solution : ASD Method

Note: Rain is zero because it is not given. S is greater than Lr therefore use S
in the equation

Note: Rain is zero because it is not given. S is greater than Lr therefore use S
in the equation

Note: Wind and Earthquake are zero because it is not given, therefore
combination is the same as 1.

Note: Combination 6 and 7 will yield the same as 4 and 8 will be smaller than 1
hence no need to evaluate.
"Units are in kips"

Hence the controlling Load Combination is the maximum of the values Comb1,
Comb2, Comb3 and Comb4

kips

And the Nominal Strength Rn is

 kips

Question : If we are to compare the two methodologies now, which do you think is the
more conservative methodolgy? ASD or LRFD?