Created By : Naaz Fatima

Reviewed By : Phani Ponnapalli

Last Updated : May 18, 2023


When you enter the maximum strength and design load into the Factor of Safety Calculator, it calculates the factor of safety. This helpful tool speeds up calculations and displays results quickly.

Maximum strength:
Design load:
Factor of Safety:
                 

What is meant by Factor of Safety?

A structure's factor of safety is a measure of how much extra strength is built into it to withstand expected stress and provide a higher level of safety.

Loads are the total weights that a structure must support. Live loads are those that modify their amount of force overtime or change their position. Dead loads are loads that aren't mobile and have a long-term influence over a certain area. Stresses are the name for these loads.

Safety Factor Formula

You may calculate a building's factor of safety by dividing the structure's maximal strength by the intended design load. We can use the formula to express it. The Factor of Safety = Maximum Strength/ Design Load

A structure's factor of safety must be larger than one for it to be considered safe. If it is 1, the factor of safety is equal to the maximum strength of the structure, which is equal to the established design load. If it's less than one, the structure could collapse at any time, even before it reaches the design load.

We may rearrange the equation to get the maximal strength formula, which is as follows Maximum Strength = Design Load x Factor of Safety. By multiplying the factor of safety with the intended design load, you can get maximum strength.

Applications of Factors of Safety

We can employ safety criteria in the design of anything from a simple screwdriver (as we covered before) to highly complex devices like a turbocharger compressor. This is done to ensure that these devices and items are secure for us and that they fulfil their functions without easily malfunctioning in times of crisis. Here are some instances of how safety considerations are used

  • Creating tools and other mechanical things that have sections that require some safety factor.
  • Designing vehicle parts.
  • Developing and designing additional load-bearing equipment or gadgets.
  • Constructing a structure with safety in mind.
  • Designing other structural objects such as water tanks and even transmitter towers.

For more concepts check out physicscalculatorpro.com to get quick answers by using this free tool.

How to determine the Factor of Safety?

The basic guidelines described here can be used to determine the Factor of Safety. The listing is as follows

  • Step 1: Determine the factor of safety and design load first.
  • Step 2: Then, substitute the known parameters into the calculation Factor of Safety = Maximum Strength/ Design Load.
  • Step 3: Find the safety factor by simplifying the equation.

How to use the Factor of Safety Calculator?

The following is the procedure how to use the factor of safety calculator

  • Step 1: In the input field, enter the maximum strength, design load and x for the unknown value.
  • Step 2: To acquire the result, click the "Calculate the Unknown" button.
  • Step 3: Finally, in the output field, the factor of safety will be displayed.

Factor of Safety Examples

Question 1: If the maximum strength and design load are 300 N and 20 N, how do you calculate the Factor of Safety?

Solution:

Given:

Maximum Strength = 300N

Design load = 20N

Factor of Safety = Maximum Strength/ Design Load

When we enter the inputs in the above formula, we get the following equation.

Factor of Safety = 300/20 = 15N

FAQs on Factor of Safety

1. What exactly do you mean when you say Factor of Safety?

The factor of safety describes how strong a system is for a given load.


2. Why do we need a factor of safety?

A safety factor improves people's safety while lowering the danger of a product failing. When it comes to fall prevention and safety equipment, the aspect of safety is crucial. There is a risk of harm and death, as well as financial loss if a structure falls.


3. What does it mean to have a high factor of safety?

In general, a high factor of safety indicates a heavier component, higher-quality materials, and a better design. A factor of one indicates that the stress level is within acceptable limits. A score of less than one indicates a high chance of failure.


4. What is the formula for calculating the factor of safety?

The factor of safety is calculated by dividing a structure's maximum strength by the desired load.