Choose the combination that results in the highest U, use U in your calculations.

D = Dead Load, L = Live Load, T = self-straining, H = earth pressure, $L_r$ = roof live load, S = Snow Load, R = rain load, E = earthquake load

In some sample problems I have seen $\gamma$ and Q varibales. Individual load factors like 1.2 and 1.4 are sometimes represented as $\gamma$ and the loads themselves are represented as $Q$. The factoring for a single load would then be $Q \gamma$, and all of them $U = \sum{Q \gamma}$.

## Strength Reduction Factor ($\phi$)

Strength reduction factors are applied to the nominal (design) strength:

or (this is seen pretty often in practice)

Where $P_u$ is determined with U from the factored loads. Strength reduction factors vary for concrete and steel.

### Concrete

0.9 for Tension controlled

0.7 compression with spiral steel

0.65 compression with tied steel

0.75 shear and torsion

0.65 bearing on concrete

Furthermore there is a range based on stress ($\varepsilon$) value for beams ($0.48 + 83 \varepsilon$) and the same equation applies to tied transition members. Spiral transition members use $0.57 + 67 \varepsilon$.

### Steel

0.9 for yield and 0.75 fracture