Structural design is an essential aspect of building construction, and it involves the application of engineering principles to ensure that structures can withstand the loads and forces they will be subjected to throughout their service life. Two methods of structural design are commonly used in the United States: Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD). Both methods have their pros and cons, and the choice between them depends on several factors, including the type of material being used, the complexity of the structure, and the design philosophy of the engineer.

At a high level, ASD checks service load stresses against an allowable stress, whereas LRFD uses factored load forces against a maximum strength LRFD. ASD is the more traditional method and has been in use for many years. It is based on the concept that the stress in a structural member should not exceed a certain level, known as the allowable stress. This allowable stress is determined based on the properties of the material being used, such as its strength and stiffness, and the safety factor required to ensure that the structure can withstand unforeseen loads and environmental conditions. The allowable stress is calculated based on several factors, including the type of loading, the duration of the load, and the type of material being used.

LRFD, on the other hand, is a newer and more modern method of structural design. It is based on the concept that structures should be designed to withstand loads that are expected to occur with a certain probability, rather than just designing for the maximum loads that could occur. LRFD uses factored load forces, which are obtained by multiplying the service loads by load factors, to calculate the maximum strength of a structural member. The load factors are based on the probability of the loads occurring, and they are intended to account for uncertainties in the loads and the strength of the materials being used.

One of the advantages of LRFD is that it can result in more efficient and cost-effective designs. By designing for loads that are expected to occur with a certain probability, rather than just designing for the maximum loads, engineers can reduce the size and amount of materials required for a structure. This can result in cost savings and reduce the environmental impact of the construction project. (Try ClearCalcs Steel Beam Calculator to AISC 360-16 (LRFD))

However, many engineers still prefer to design using ASD, particularly when designing structures made from wood. This is because wood is a natural and variable material, and it is difficult to accurately predict its strength and stiffness. ASD allows engineers to account for this variability by using conservative values for the allowable stress. This means that the resulting designs are more robust and less likely to fail due to unexpected variations in the material properties. (Check out ClearCalcs Wood Beam (ASD) Calculator to NDS 2018 here)

Another advantage of ASD is that it is a simpler method of design, and it is easier to understand and implement than LRFD. This can be particularly important for small-scale construction projects or for engineers who are not familiar with the more complex LRFD method.

In conclusion, both ASD and LRFD are valid methods of structural design, and the choice between them depends on several factors, including the type of material being used, the complexity of the structure, and the design philosophy of the engineer. While LRFD is the newer and more modern method, many engineers still prefer to design in ASD, particularly in wood. Ultimately, the goal of any structural design is to ensure that the structure is safe, durable, and cost-effective, and both methods of design can achieve this goal when used appropriately.