The puopose of this paper is sto modify the current LBB criteria. The validity of current LBB criteria and current standard LBB analysis mehtod are evaluated using linear elastic fracture mechanics and elastic-plastic fracture mechanics. The results of evaluation demonstrate that the current LBB driteria are very conservative and some level of margins already exist in the standard LBB analysis method. Thus, the margin on load .root. and margin on crack size 2 can be eliminated to extend LBB application for the samller diameter pipe.