ASCE 7-02 sections 9.5.2.6.3.1 and 9.5.2.7.1

[chriskrol]

Please read belowe:
Facts about the building
SDC - “C”
Seismic Force Resisting System – Structural Steel System Not Specifically Detailed For Seismic Resistance => R=3, ??=3
Analysis used for building design - Equivalent Lateral Force Procedure
IBC 2003 Sec. 1617.4 => ASCE 7-02 Sec. 9.5.5

Questions,

1)
Per ASCE 7-02 sec. 9.5.2.6.3.1
Collector elements, splices and their connections to resisting elements shall resist the special loads of Section 9.5.2.7.1. (?E….).
Does it mean that all connections between collectors and bracing members need to be designed for special load combinations?

2)
Last paragraph of this section ASCE 7-02 9.5.2.7.1 says that if you are using allowable stress design methodologies with special load combinations you are permitted to increase the allowable stresses by 1.2.
Does it mean that you can also increase Allowable Working Strength of the Weld in case you have to design the connections between collectors and bracing members for special load combinations?

Thanks for you help,
Kris