STOCHASTIC-ANALYSIS OF LOAD COMBINATION

This paper reviews the methods for combining loads idealized as Poisso n processes. Hasofer's method for combining a Poisson square wave load with a Poisson impulsive load is extended to the case of a combinatio n of one square wave load with an arbitrary number of impulsive loads. The problem of considering the effects of dead load is addressed. Bot h the instantaneous and the largest value in structural life time stat istics of a combination are determined. The following load combination s are considered in the applications: (1) dead and live load on floors ; (2) dead and wind load; and (3) a combination involving four loads. As the percentage of dead load with respect to the sum of all load ave rages decreases, it is found that all fractiles of the largest value d istribution increase, even considerably. Finally, a new combination ru le for practical use is proposed.