RELIABILITY-BASED DESIGN OF WOOD STRUCTURES - BACKGROUND TO CSA-086.1-M89

The limit states design version of the 1989 Canadian code for engineer ing design in wood (CSA-086. 1-M89) is, for the most part, reliability -based. This paper discusses the methodology employed in the calibrati on procedure and the reliability levels adopted. Particular emphasis i s given to the results obtained for duration of load and system (load sharing) strength adjustment factors, to serviceability limit states, and to the design of columns. Final comments address the impact of the new code in comparison to the traditional working stress design proce dures.