To ensure both safety and serviceability, the Limit State Method (LSM) is a contemporary approach to structural design that evaluates a structure's ultimate and serviceability limit states.

The Ultimate Limit State (ULS) ensures that a structure can withstand maximum stresses without failure or collapse, considering variables such as overloads, material strengths, and environmental conditions.

The Serviceability Limit State (SLS) assesses the structure's performance under typical operating conditions, focusing on factors like deflection, vibration, and durability.

LSM incorporates load factors and material strength factors to provide a more accurate evaluation of a structure's long-term performance. By addressing both potential failure and usability, LSM facilitates a more effective and balanced design, ultimately enhancing both longevity and safety.