Reliability of reinforced concrete structures designed according to the design codes of Belarus and the Ukraine

The article presents the results of reliability analysis of reinforced concrete structures designed and built in accordance with design codes that are valid in Belarus and Ukraine. It is noted that such structures have different reliability levels as well as failure probabilities. Approaches to assessment loads and actions on structures which are stated in European, Belarusian, former USSR, and Ukrainian standards were analyzed. It is shown that in most cases former USSR and Ukrainian standards do not meet the modern requirements for safety of structures. Additionally the results of reliability-based calibration of partial factors are presented. The calibration resulted in the reduced value of partial factors for permanent loads on precast elements