It is a code that defines the criteria for estimating or approximating design-level loads. The changes incorporate the progression of understanding of the loading phenomenon.
For example, there has been a lot of research into the nature of how wind interacts with the surfaces of bodies to generate loads on those surfaces. ASCE 7-10 incorporates the more recent understanding.
EDITORIAL NOTE: I have always been somewhat at a loss to explain why so many of my colleagues resist and are quite frankly militant against changes to the way things are done.
I suppose you could use the old ANSI A58.1 code for loading if it makes you feel more comfortable...as long as "nothing bad happens."
And I guess you could insist on having all your kids' tonsils removed as well.
William L. Polhemus, Jr. P.E.
Via iPhone 4
On Jul 7, 2011, at 1:26 PM, "Richard Hess" <RLHess@HessEng.com> wrote:
> Questions:
>
> 1. How many of the changes are due to actual failures in the field of
> structures properly designed by previous editions?
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