Allowable Strength Design (ASD)

Allowable Strength Design (ASD) is a method used in engineering, particularly in structural engineering, to ensure safety and reliability of buildings and bridges. It involves calculating the maximum load a structure can safely bear (its allowable strength), which is slightly reduced from its actual strength to include a safety margin. Designers then ensure that the expected loads from use—people, furniture, wind, etc.—do not exceed this safe limit. This approach provides a practical way to build structures that are strong enough to withstand daily use and unexpected events, maintaining safety without overbuilding.