ASCE 7-10

Wind Load Provisions

(Part 3)

Examples
by
William L. Coulbourne, P.E., M.ASCE

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Example 1
In this example, design wind pressures for a large one-story commercial-industrial building are
determined. The building data are as follows:
Location:
Memphis, TN
Terrain:
Flat farmland
Dimensions:
200 ft x 250 ft in plan
Eave height of 20 ft
Roof slope 4:12 (18.4 degrees)
Framing:
Rigid frame spans the 200 ft direction
Rigid frame spacing is 25 ft
Cross bracing in 250 ft direction
Girts and purlins span between rigid frames (25 ft span)
Girt spacing is 6 ft 8 in
Purlin spacing is 5 ft
Cladding:
Roof panel dimensions are 2 ft x 20 ft
Roof fastener spacing is 1 ft on center
Wall panel dimensions are 2 ft x 20 ft
Wall fastener spacing is 1 ft on center
Openings uniformly distributed

Dimensions and Framing of Building in Example 1

Example 1
Exposure and Building Classification
The building is located in flat open farmland, therefore Exposure C.
The building function is industrial-commercial. It is not considered to have a substantial risk
to human life nor does failure of the building pose a substantial threat to the community.
Failure of the building could pose more than a low risk to human life given the potential
occupancy of the building, thus the building is considered a Risk Category II (Table 1-1).
Basic Wind Speed
Selection of the basic wind speed is addressed in Section 26.5.1. Memphis, TN is not located
in special wind region nor is there any reason to suggest that winds at the site are unusual or
require additional attention. The Risk Category II wind speed map is Figure 26.5-1A and the
basic wind speed V = 115 mph (3-second peak gust).
Design Procedure
Directional Method from Chapter 27 will be used for this example for MWFRS and Chapter
30 will be used for C&C.

Directionality Factor Kd
Wind Directionality
Wind directionality factor is given in Table 6-4. For MWFRS and C&C the factor Kd = 0.85.

Wind directionality Kd is
given in Table 26.6-1.
This factor is the same for
both MWFRS and C&C.

Velocity Pressure q
Velocity Pressure
The velocity pressures are computed using Equation 27.3-1 of the standard.
qz = 0.00256KzKztKdV2 psf
For this example, Kz is obtained from Table 27.3-1; Kzt = 1.0 (no topographic
effects); Kd = 0.85, and V = 115 mph.
Substituting these values into Equation 27.3-1 yields:
qz = 0.00256Kz(1.0)(.85)(115)2
qz = 28.8Kz psf
Values for Kz are shown on the next slide.
The mean roof height is 36.7 ft.
6

Table 27.3-1

Example 1
Velocity Pressures, psf
Height, ft.
Kz
0 15
0.85
Eave ht. = 20
0.90
30
0.98
h = 36.7
1.02
40
1.04
50
1.09
Ridge ht. = 53.3
1.10
*qh = 29.4 psf

qz, psf
24.5
25.9
28.2
29.4*
29.9
31.4
31.7

Design wind pressures for MWFRS of this building can be obtained using Section 27.4.1 of
the Standard for the directional method or Section 28.4.1 for the envelope method. Pressures
determined in this example are using buildings of all heights criteria. Ex. 7.
p = qGCp qi(GCpi) (Eq. 27.4-1)
where
q = qz for windward wall at height z above ground
q = qh for leeward wall, side walls, and roof
qi = qh for enclosed buildings
G = Gust effect factor
Cp = Values obtained from Figure 27.4-1 of the Standard
(GCpi) = Values obtained from Table 26.11-1
For this example, when the wind is normal to the ridge, the windward roof experiences both
positive and negative external pressures. Combining these external pressures with positive and
negative internal pressures will result in four loading cases when wind is normal to the ridge.
When wind is parallel to the ridge, positive and negative internal pressures result in two
loading cases. The external pressure coefficients, Cp for = 0, apply in this case.
Gust Effect Factor
For rigid structures, G can be calculated using Eq. 26.9-6 (see Section 26.9 of the Standard) or
alternatively taken as 0.85. For simplicity, G = 0.85 is used in this example.
9

Example 1
External Wall Cp from Figure 27.4-1
The pressure coefficients for the windward wall and for the side walls
are 0.8 and -0.7, respectively, for all L/B ratios. The leeward wall
pressure coefficient is a function of the L/B ratio. For wind normal to
the ridge, L/B = 200/250 = 0.8; therefore, the leeward wall pressure
coefficient is -0.5. For flow parallel to the ridge, L/B = 250/200 = 1.25;
the value of Cp is obtained by linear interpolation.

10

Example 1

11

Example 1
External Roof Cp from Figure 27.4-1 (Wind Normal to Ridge)
The roof pressure coefficients for the MWFRS are obtained from Figure 27.4-1 of the
Standard. For the roof angle of 18.4, linear interpolation is used to establish Cp. For wind
normal to the ridge, h/L = 36.7/200 = 0.18; hence, only single linear interpolation is required.
Note that interpolation is only carried out between values of the same sign.
Roof Cp (Wind Normal to Ridge)
Surface
Windward roof

15
-0.5
0.0

18.4
-0.36*
0.14*

20
-0.3
0.2

Leeward roof

-0.5

-0.57*

-0.6

* By linear interpolation.

12

Example 1
Internal (GCpi)
Values for (GCpi)for buildings are addressed in Section 26.11 and
Table 26.11-1 of the Standard.
The openings are evenly distributed in the walls (enclosed
building) and Memphis, Tennessee, is not in a hurricane-prone
region. The reduction factor of Section 26.11.1.1 is not applicable
for enclosed buildings; therefore,
(GCpi) = 0.18

13

Example 1
MWFRS Net Pressures
p = qGCp qi(GCpi)
(Eq. 27.4-1)
p = q(0.85)Cp 29.4(0.18)
where
q = qz for windward wall
q = qh for leeward wall, side wall, and roof
qi = qh for windward walls, side walls, leeward walls, and roofs of enclosed
buildings
Typical Calculation
Windward wall, 0-15 ft, wind normal to ridge:
p = 24.5(0.85)(0.8) 29.4(0.18)
p = 11.4 psf with (+) internal pressure
p = 21.9 psf with (-) internal pressure

14

Example 1
The net pressures for the MWFRS are summarized in the following table.
MWFRS Pressures: Wind Normal to Ridge

Net pressure psf

with
(+GCpi) (-GCpi)
11.4
21.9
12.3
22.9

z
Surface
(ft)
Windward wall 0-15
20

q
(psf)
24.5
25.9

G
0.85
0.85

Cp
0.8
0.8

Leeward wall
Side walls
Windward
Roof*

All
All
-

29.4
29.4
29.4

0.85
0.85
0.85

-0.5
-0.7
-0.36
0.14

-17.8
-22.8
-14.3
-1.8

-7.2
-12.2
-3.7
8.8

Leeward roof

29.4

0.85

-0.57

-19.5

-8.9

Notes:
qh = 29.4 psf; (GCpi) = 0.18; qh(GCpi) = 5.3 psf.
* Two loadings on windward roof and two internal pressures yield a total of four loading cases.
15

Example 1 wind normal to

ridge
14.3 psf

19.5 psf

+5.3 psf

12.3 psf
11.4 psf

17.8 psf

8.9 psf

3.7 psf
22.9 psf
21.9 psf

-5.3 psf

7.2 psf

16

Example 1 wind normal to

ridge
1.8 psf

19.5 psf

+5.3 psf

12.3 psf
11.4 psf

17.8 psf

8.9 psf

8.8 psf
-5.3 psf

22.9 psf
21.9 psf

7.2 psf

17

Example 1
External Roof Cp from Figure 6-6 for Wind Parallel to Ridge
For wind parallel to the ridge, h/L = 36.7/250 = 0.147 and < 10. The values of Cp for wind parallel to ridge are obtained from
Figure 27.4-1 of the Standard.

Roof Cp (Wind Parallel to Ridge)

Surface h/L
Roof
0.5

Distance from
windward
edge
Cp
0 to h
-0.9, -0.18*
h to 2h
-0.5, -0.18*
> 2h

-0.3, -0.18*

* The values of smaller uplift pressures on the roof can become critical when wind load is combined with roof live load or snow load;
load combination are given in Sections 2.3 and 2.4 of the Standard. For brevity, loading for this value is not shown in this example.

18

MWFRS Pressures: Wind Parallel to Ridge

Surface
Windward wall

Leeward wall
Side walls
Roof*

Net pressure psf with

(+GCpi) (-GCpi)
Cp

z
q
(ft) (psf)
0-15
24.5

G
0.85

0.8

11.4

21.9

20
30
40
53.3
All
All
0 to h*
h to 2h*

25.9
28.2
29.9
31.7
29.4
29.4
29.4
29.4

0.85
0.85
0.85
0.85
0.85
0.85
0.85
0.85

0.8
0.8
0.8
0.8
-0.45
-0.7
-0.9
-0.5

12.3
13.9
15.0
16.3
-16.5
-22.8
-27.8
-17.8

22.9
24.5
25.6
26.8
-5.9
-12.2
-17.6
-7.2

> 2h*

29.4

0.85

-0.3

-12.8

-2.2

Notes:
qh = 29.4 psf; (GCpi) = 0.18; h = 36.7 ft; qh(GCpi) = 5.3 psf.
* Distance from windward edge.
19

Example 1 wind parallel to

ridge
27.8
17.8

16.3
15.0
13.9
12.3
11.4

12.8

53.3 ft
5.3 psf

16.5 psf

27.8
17.8
12.8

22.8 psf

5.3 psf

22.8 psf

20

10

Example 1 wind parallel

to ridge
17.6
7.2
2.2
26.8
25.6
24.5
22.9
21.9

5.3

5.9 psf

17.6
7.2
2.2

12.2

5.3

12.2
21

Example 1

22

11

Example 1
Design Pressures for C&C (Chapter 30)
Eq. 30.4-1 of the Standard is used to obtain the design pressures for
components and cladding:
p = qh[(GCp) (GCpi)]
(Eq. 30.4-1)
where
qh
= 29.4 psf
(GCp) = Values obtained from Figure 30.4-1
(GCpi)= 0.18 for this building

23

Wall C&C Pressures

The pressure coefficients (GCp) are a function of effective wind area. The definitions of
effective wind area for a component or cladding panel is the span length multiplied by
an effective width that need not be less than one-third the span length; however, for a
fastener it is the area tributary to an individual fastener.
Girt:
larger of
A = 25(6.67) = 167 ft2
or
A = 25(25/3) = 208 ft2 (controls)
Wall Panel:
larger of
A = 6.67(2) = 13.3 ft2
or
A = 6.67(6.67/3) = 14.8 ft2 (controls)
Fastener:
A = 6.67(1) = 6.7 ft2

Wall Coefficients (GCp) in Figure 30.4-1

C&C
A(ft2)
External (GCp)
Zones 4 and 5
Zone 4
Girt
208
0.77*
-0.87
Panel
14.8
0.97
-1.07
Fastener
6.7
1.00
-1.10
Other
10
1.00
-1.10
Other
500
0.70
-0.80

Zone 5
-0.93
-1.34
-1.40
-1.40
-0.80

Other C&C can be doors, windows, etc.

24

12

Alternative GCp Calculation

Walls for Buildings with h 60 ft (Figure 6-11A)
Positive: Zones 4 and 5
(GCp) = 1.0
for A = 10 ft2
(GCp) = 1.1766 0.1766 log A for 10 < A < 500 ft2
(GCp) = 0.7
for A > 500 ft2
Negative: Zone 4
(GCp) = -1.1
for A = 10 ft2
(GCp) = -1.2766 + 0.1766 log A for 10 < A < 500 ft2
(GCp) = -0.8
for A > 500 ft2
Negative: Zone 5
(GCp) = -1.4
for A = 10 ft2
(GCp) = -1.7532 + 0.3532 log A for 10 < A < 500 ft2
(GCp) = -0.8
for A > 500 ft2
Source: ASCE 7 Guide to the Wind Load Provisions

25

26

13

Typical calculations of design pressures for girt in Zone 4

For maximum negative pressure:
p = 29.4[(-0.87) (0.18)]
p = -30.9 psf with positive internal pressure (controls)
p = -20.3 psf with negative internal pressure
For maximum positive pressure:
p = 29.4[(0.77) (0.18)]
p = 17.3 psf with positive internal pressure
p = 27.9 psf with negative internal pressure (controls)
Net Wall Component Pressures (psf)
Controlling design pressures (psf)
Zone 4
Zone 5
Positive Negative Positive Negative
C&C
Girt
27.9
-30.9
27.9
-32.6
Panel
33.8
-36.8
33.8
-44.7
Fastener
34.7
-37.6
34.7
-46.4
A 10 ft2
34.7
-37.6
34.7
-46.4
A 500 ft2
25.9
-28.8
25.9
-28.8
27

Roof C&C Pressures

Effective wind areas of roof C&C (Table 4-25):
Purlin:
larger of
A = 25(5) = 125 ft2
or
A = 25(25/3) = 208 ft2(controls)

Panel:
larger of
A = 5(2) = 10 ft2(controls)
or
A = 5(5/3) = 8.3 ft2

Fastener:
A = 5(1) = 5 ft2

Roof Coefficients (GCp) in Figure 30.4-2B; 7 < 27

External (GCp)
Component
A (ft2) Zones 1, 2, and 3 Zone 1 Zone 2
Purlin
208
0.3
-0.8
-1.2
Panel
10
0.5
-0.9
-1.7
Fastener
5
0.5
-0.9
-1.7
Other*
10
0.5
-0.9
-1.7
Other*
100
0.3
-0.8
-1.2

Zone 3
-2.0
-2.6
-2.6
-2.6
-2.0

* Other C&C can be skylight, etc.

28

14

29

Typical calculations of design pressures for a purlin in Zone 1 are as follows and roof C&C
pressures are summarized below:
For maximum negative pressure
p = 29.4[(-0.8) (0.18)]
p = -28.8 psf with positive internal pressure (controls)
p = -18.2 psf with negative internal pressure
For maximum positive pressure
p = 29.4[(0.3) (0.18)]
p = 3.5 psf with positive internal pressure
p = 14.1 psf with negative internal pressure
p = 16 psf minimum net pressure (controls) (Section 30.2.2 of the Standard)
Net Controlling Roof Component Pressures (psf)
Controlling design pressures (psf)
Component

Purlin
Panel
Fastener
A 10 ft2
A 500 ft2

Positive
Zones 1, 2, and
3
16.0*
20.0
20.0
20.0
16.0*

Zone 1

Negative
Zone 2

Zone 3

-28.8
-31.8
-31.8
-31.8
-28.8

-40.6
-55.3
-55.3
-55.3
-40.6

-64.1
-81.7
-81.7
-81.7
-64.1

* Minimum net pressure controls (Section 30.2.2 of the Standard).

30

15

Questions on Example 1?

Example 2
In this example, design wind pressures for a one-story commercial-industrial building (used as a
factory) are determined. The building data are as follows:
Location:
Tallahassee, FL
Terrain:
Flat open farmland
Dimensions:
120 ft x 48 ft in plan
Eave height of 15 and 20 ft
Roof slope 5:12
Off-center ridge
Framing:
Rigid frame spans the 48 ft direction
Rigid frame spacing is 20 ft
Cross bracing in 120 ft direction
Girts and purlins span between rigid frames (20 ft span)
Girt spacing is 5 ft
Purlin spacing is 6 ft
Cladding:
Roof panel dimensions are 2 ft x 20 ft
Roof fastener spacing is 1 ft on center
Wall panel dimensions are 2 ft x 20 ft
Wall fastener spacing is 1 ft on center
Openings uniformly distributed
32

16

Example 2

33

34

17

Example 2
Exposure and Building Classification
The building is located in flat open farmland, therefore Exposure C.
The building function is industrial-commercial. It is not considered to have a
substantial risk
to human life nor does failure of the building pose a substantial threat to the
community. Failure of the building could pose more than a low risk to human life
given the potential occupancy of the building, thus the building is considered a Risk
Category II (Table 1-1).
Basic Wind Speed
Selection of the basic wind speed is addressed in Section 26.5.1. Tallahassee, FL is
located in a hurricane-prone region. The Risk Category II wind speed map is Figure
26.5-1A and the basic wind speed V = 120 mph (3-second peak gust).
Design Procedure
Directional Method from Chapter 27 will be used for this example for MWFRS and
Chapter 30 will be used for C&C.
35

Determine Classification
Each

wall does not have openings that are 80% of the wall

area
Calculate

area of openings on each building surface and

each surface area

Check

3 required conditions for partially enclosed condition

36

18

Determine Classification
Surface

Ao

Aoi

Ag

Agi

Ao/Aoi

Aoi/Agi

South

480

529

2400

10,169

.91

.05

North

1009

1800

10,769

.09

East

264.5

744.5

1065

11,504

.36

.06

West

264.5

744.5

1065

11.504

.36

.06

Roof

1009

6239

6330

.16

Total

1009

12,569

37

Determine Classification
Condition

Condition not met

Condition

2: Ao > 4 sq. ft. or 0.01Ag

Condition is met

Condition

1: Ao/Aoi > 1.10

3: Aoi/Agi < 0.20

Condition is met

Classification

is enclosed,

thus GCpi = +/- 0.18

38

19

Determine Mean Roof Height

22.2
ft.
Center
21.25 ft.

23.8 ft.

Of
Gravity

39

Kz

Interpolated Kz = 0.93 for h = 23.8 ft. Exposure C

40

20

External Pressure Coefficients

L/B = 48/120 = 0.4

41

External Pressure Coefficients

h/L = 23.8/48 = ~ 0.5, = 22.60

42

21

Velocity Pressure, q Example

2
Must

find q at several elevations 15 ft, 20 ft, 23.8 ft, V =

110 mph

qz

= .00256*Kz*Kzt*Kd*V2*I

q15

= .00256*0.85*1.0*0.85*1202*1.0 = 26.6 psf

q20

= .00256*0.90*1.0*0.85*1202*1.0 = 28.2 psf

q23.8

= .00256*0.93*1.0*0.85*1102*1.0 = 29.1 psf

43

Wind Pressures Example 2

p = q(GCp GCpi)
where:
q = velocity pressure at appropriate height
G = gust effect factor
Cp = external pressure coefficient
GCpi = internal pressure coefficient

44

22

MWFRS Pressures Example 2

45

Transverse Direction Pressures

46

23

Longitudinal Direction Pressures

47

Example 2 Envelope Method

(Load Case A)

48

24

Example 2 - Envelope Method

(Load Case B)

49

Example 2 Simplified Method

50

25

Example 2 Simplified Method

51

C&C Pressures Example 2

52

26

Example 2 Results
Comparison

53

Questions Example 2

27