Mak,

I guess that nobody answered your question because it is too much to explain on elementary side.
ASCE 7-10 has two basic combinations sets, one is under title 2.3 COMBINING FACTORED LOADS USING STRENGTH DESIGN, other is under title 2.4 COMBINING NOMINAL LOADS USING ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN. Giving the information to a Civil Specialist and saying that the combinations are ASD will solve the problem or shall complicate it, however it is the start you need.

About factors 0.7 and 0.6, a quick google search with "why 0.6 wind in ASCE 7" comes up with a lot info, as for example the file attached. Similarly for seismic. Here, in case you work with non-American maps/data, you must pay attention what primary data you have input in your calculation as the approach to make sense.

About the last question, what ASCE 7-10 says for ASD is self explanatory and frankly, I'm not able to explain it better; it is worth to note is specific for structures under ASCE 7 requirements "Increases in allowable stress shall not be used with the loads or load combinations given in this standard unless it can be demonstrated that such an increase is justified by structural behavior caused by rate or duration of load."


Attachments
Why-0.6.pdf (18592 downloads)