I

SERIES

Conference
Paper

OPTIONS FOR A
WIND LOADING CODE
Presented at the Institution of
Professional Engineers New Zealand
Annual Conference, 11- 15 February 1985,
Wellington.

SHELVED
4

BUILDING RESEARCH ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND

OPTIONS FOR A WIND LOADING CODE

-Discussion paper for IPENZ Conference, February 1985.
R C Cooney BE(Hons) MIPENZ
Head of Structures Division
Building Research Association of NZ
Abstract

The New Zealand loadings code, NZS 4203 - Code of practice for general structural
design and design loadings for buildings, i s currently being completely revised,
including part 4- wind loads.
,

Apart from the basic wind speed data, there i s nothing unique about wind loads on
buildings in New Zealand, and hence there may not be sufficient reason for
continuing to have a different code from other countries, particularly those we have
strong associations with, such as Australia.
This paper briefly reviews the present situation and details options for the wind
loading part of the revised loadings code. It i s intended t o generate discussion in
order that the code revision committee can obtain an indication of the format
preferred by designers for the future New Zealand wind loading code.

1.

Introduction

The Standards Association of New Zealand (SANZ) i s currently preparing a

completely revised edition of the New Zealand loading code, NZS 4203 (I). Naturally
this revision includes Part 4- wind loads, this part hereinafter being referred t o as
"the present code".
In 1983 the outgoing wind loading subcommittee of the SANZ NZS 4203 committee
prepared an internal report on the present code. That report t o SANZ identified
technical deficiencies with the code, indicated developments with other overseas
wind codes, briefly gave some options for a future wind code in New Zealand, and
recommended that one of a number of overseas codes be adopted for future use as
the NZ wind loadings code.

It is the purpose of this paper to publicly give some of the background to the
revision of the wind code, t o discuss details of the options available and t o indicate
a direction in order that the subject can be discussed and the preferences of code
users ascertained.

2.

.
-

1
I

The present code

Before presenting the options, it i s relevant t o mention some of the deficiencies of

the present code highlighted by the previously mentioned report.
The present code i s largely an amalgamation of the 1972 British code (2) and the
1975 Australian code (3), both o f which have their origins in research conducted
during the 1960's and early 1970%. During the last decade a great deal o f more
refined research into wind loads on buildings has occurred in North America,
England and Australia, particularly in the area of low-rise buildings. This research
has resulted in significant amendments t o the wind codes in those countries during
this period. Of direct relevance to our present code, the Australian code was
substantially revised in 1979, 1981 and 1983, and significant amendments will soon
be published for the British code. Consequential amendment to our present code has
not taken place and thus many parts of it are now out o f date with respect t o
current research, some differences being of a conservative nature, but others not.
The following is an indication of some areas where the source data in overseas codes
has been substantially amended:

Provisions to allow for the variation of basic wind speeds with direction.
The variation of wind speed with height above ground.
Force reduction factors relating to tributary supported areas of roofs.
Average external wall and roof pressure coefficients.
Force coefficients for some special building shapes.
Local external pressure coefficients for the edges of wall and roof surfaces.
Internal pressure coefficients.
The effect of topography on wind speed.
In addition, we in New Zealand have a further 10 years of wind speed data with
which to refine and extend the present basic wind speeds. Better reference
documents are also now more freely available t o support a wind code.
The sourcing of a code from different overseas codes demands a reasonable
commitment to consequential change when the source codes are changed. This i s not
without i t s problems, but i f it is not done, such a code can quickly become obsolete
and find disfavour with users.

3.

The options for a new code

In broad terms the options are;

To ~ r e ~ aar uniaue
e
code from basic data.
To 'take the besi from overseas codes and amalgamate, again t o produce a
unique code.
To adopt another country's code t o be used with the appropriate New Zealand
basic wind speed data.

In choosing from these options we must consider:

Whether a real need i s established t o change from our present code.

Validity of the source data to be used in preparing a new code or adopting an
overseas code.
The acceptance of a new format and terminology by present code users.
The availability of resources to achieve the preparation, validation, and
ongoing updating o f a unique code on an appropriate time scale.

With regard to preparing a unique code, it i s doubtful whether we have the real need
t o do so, let alone the resources. We in New Zealand have, at considerable effort,
often produced unique design codes, but t o do so in this instance does not seem at all
justified.
As to producing a unique code by amalgamating parts from other codes, this s t i l l
would require a substantial resource, and again it i s doubtful whether the resource i s
available. But perhaps more relevant i s our less than satisfactory experience with
our present code which has demonstrated a need for a commitment and o resource
to be available for consequential updating.
This leaves us with the option of using another country's code. In deciding on a group
of countries from which the selection is made we must first consider;

The language
The format and appropriateness
The terminology used
The supporting research base
The supporting base for amendment/revision and the likely frequency of
amendment
Any social or economic factors
The method of adoption for use in New Zealand

Those wind codes in the world which are written in English are largely based on, or
are, those from the United States of America, Canada, England and Australia. This
reflects the fact that much of the fundamental wind engineering research related to
buildings i s carried out in those countries.
Leaving aside the problem of adequately translating codes written in other than
English and communicating with countries with such codes, it i s unlikely that a wind
code from a non-Engl ish speaking country would be sufficiently more advanced t o
justify i t s consideration in this exercise.
Those codes written in English will now be discussed in turn.

3.1

The North American Codes:

Compared with our present code, the North American codes are of a somewhat
different format, they use slightly different terminology (the USA one i s in
Imperial units) and, more significantly, use a different basis for the basic wind
speed (fastest mile and 10 minute mean), all of which i s quite unfamiliar t o us.
The New Zealand wind speed data (presently based on 3 second gusts) could be
produced in the same format i f necessary. The North Americans do have a
large and effective research base and their codes are revised at regular, well
spaced intervals. They also have their research basis well documented (4).

3.2

The British code:

In terms of format, we in New Zealand have traditionally largely followed the
British code although our present code does owe some parts t o the Australian
one.
The British code has had one distinct advantage over recent years, and that i s
it has a very good source guide (5). This handbook has been an invaluable
reference for designers, not only in Britain, but also New Zealand and other
countries.
The British code has remained without amendment since 1972, and this year
the f i r s t amendments w i l l appear. It might have been amended earlier had the
supporting research effort not been significantly reduced. This reduced
research effort, i f it i s going t o be relatively permanent, must be taken into
consideration when we consider whether we use the British code in future.
Another advantage of the British code is i t s terminology and style o f writing.
As codes go it is comparatively easy to read and understand, an important
factor in any code.
The handbook t o the British code i s currently being updated i n line with the
most recent research and t o reflect the amendments currently being
processed. In addition, supporting documents have been produced by the
Building Research Establishment (6, 7, 8).

It is proposed in the next few years t o produce a completely revised British

wind loading code in limit state format. It will also be in a number of parts
relating t o different types of structures.
The current New Zealand wind speed data can be used directly with the British
code.
One of the amendments t o the British code replaces the previous topography
factor (SI) and escarpment rule (which are the same as in our present code)
with a completely new method of assessing the change of wind speed with
topography. This i s a significant advance and would be welcomed by designers
in New Zealand.

However, even w i t h the amendments, the British Code does appear t o be

behind current research in some areas such as the average and local external
pressure coefficients for walls and roofs for low-rise buildings.

3.3

The Australian code:

The Australian code has been in i t s present format since 1975, although
amendments have been incorporated i n revised editions i n 1979, 1981 and 1983.
The format and terminology is similar i n a number o f respects t o that of the
British code, but there are a number o f significant differences.
These
differences have increased with successive editions o f the code, largely
reflecting the significant amount o f individual research that has occurred i n
Australia.
The Australian code contains much more definitive detail i n parts than the
North American and British codes, and as such i s more complicated t o use. In
particular, the wind profiles (wind speed with height above ground) are much
more detailed w i t h regard t o ground roughness, and the local pressures a t
edges o f walls and roofs are also more detailed. It i s also quite well supported
by reference documents (9).
The Australian code, like the British and New Zealand ones, is the last that
w i l l be produced i n the present format. Completely new codes are currently
being prepared by the Standards Association o f Australia (SAA) t o replace it,
but these are some time away yet. These w i l l be in l i m i t state format and
incorporate the latest international research informaton. One code w i l l be for
low-rise buildings o f simple geometry, and the other for more complicated
buildings and i f more detailed analysis i s necessary or desired (10). This type
o f subdivision is often seen as being desirable for a number o f structural design
codes, not just for a wind code, i n order t o provide for the apparently
contradictory wishes o f designers for simplicity and more detailed data.
I t is t o be hoped that the new codes w i l l be written i n a more easily understood
manner than the present Australian code, perhaps more i n the manner o f the
British code.
In deciding t o go t o a l i m i t state format the Australians have chosen particular
loading levels associated w i t h selected risk levels and building performance.
This aspect w i l l need consideration by us i f we are t o use that code i n order
that it i s consistent w i t h other N.Z. codes.
The Australian code i s supported by an active research base, and whilst there
might be some criticism that revised editions have been published quite
frequently i n recent years, the code i s expected t o be revised less frequently
i n future.
The New Zealand basic wind speed data does require factoring slightly (by
dividing by 1.09) if it is t o be used with the present Australian code. This is
because the basic wind speeds in the Australian code are generally referenced
t o ground roughness 2 conditions whereas the New Zealand basic wind speeds
are referenced t o ground roughness I.
There is one other consideration with regard t o the Australian code, namely
CER. As a result o f the New Zealand and Australian Governments agreements
w i t h respect t o CER, SANZ has decided (11) that;
"New Zealand Standards should harmonise w i t h Australian Standards in
preference t o International or other overseas Standards where there i s
disharmony between the two, and that SANZ urge SAA t o align w i t h I S 0
Standards where applicable".

In addition, SANZ and SAA have agreed ( I 2) that;

"Every effort will be made to achieve a harmonised approach in the two
Member States on standardization matters. Further, that where one
Member State indicates an interest in, or concern about standardization
activities of the other Member State, then every facility will be offered
the concerned Member State to participate in the particular
standardization activity on an equal footing with all other interests."
The effect of these decisions might well be that there i s l i t t l e practical option
for a New Zealand wind code, that we will simply have t o use the Australian
code. I f this i s the decision, then the format for use in New Zealand will also
require consideration.
One practical possibility i s for the New Zealand basic wind speed data (and
possibly that also from Pacific Island countries) t o be included in the
Australian code and some other minor aspects of that code t o be adjusted t o
suit both countries. That code could then simply be cited as a means of
compliance with the Model Building Bylaw (or proposed National Building
Code). However it i s possible that there may be difficulties in this, in that in
response to the question "Can Trans Tasman Standards be produced?" SANZ's
reply ( I 2) is;
"No. The SAA Charter provides for it t o publish Australian Standards
and the Standards Act provides for SANZ t o publish New Zealand
Standards.
However, the content of Australian Standards and New
Zealand Standards can be identical and the Memorandum provides for
such harmonized standards to be clearly identified for the benefit of
exporters."

This statement will require further investigation since it would require both
countries t o simultaneously publish similar documents.

4.

Summary

W i t h the complete revision of the New Zealand loadings code (NZS 4203)
currently being undertaken, the opportunity has been taken t o consider the
practical options available for what the wind loading part of that code might
be.
The adoption of an appropriate wind code from another country, with
appropriate basic wind speed data from New Zealand being used, would appear
t o be the best option with such a code being selected from those of North
America, Britain or Australia. The format and terminology of the North
American codes probably counts against them. The style of the British code i s
very familiar t o New Zealand designers, it is easy t o use and i s supported by
good reference documents. The format of the Australan code i s only slightly
different from ou; present code although it i s more complicated in parts. It is
quite well supported by reference documents and usually i s revised t o
represent the state-of-the-art, more so than the British code. Of necessity,
the impact of CER and the SANZISAA agreements must be taken into account
when considering the Australian code.
The fact that both Britain and Australia are currently preparing completely
new wind codes in limit state format should also be taken into account:

5.

Recommendations

(i)

Local Authorities could permit the use, for an interim period until a
revised NZS 4203 i s published, of either the amended version of the
British code (soon t o be available), or the Australian code, with the New
Zealand basic wind speed data (factored i f the Australian code is used).

(ii)

The revised edition o f NZS 4203 should, i f practicable, use the

Australian wind code as the basis for defining wind loads on buildings,
the Australian code being that which i s current when the revised edition
of NZS 4203 i s published.

(iii)

I f (ii) is accepted then a New Zealand representative should at an early

stage be appointed t o serve on the appropriate SAA project committee
to ensure that harmony between the countries i s achieved and that a l l
background information i s available for use in subsequent interpretation
of the code in NZ.

(iv)

Again i f (ii) i s accepted then serious consideration should be given to

only SAA publishing a wind loading code which would include the NZ
basic wind speed data and which could be used in the building control
system in both countries.

7
References

New Zealand Standard. NZS 4203: (1976), Code of Practice for General
Structural Design and Design Loadings for Buildings: Standards Association of
New Zealand.
British Standard code of Practice CP3: Chapter V: Part 2: 1972. Code of Basic
data for the design of buildings Chapter V. Loading, Part 2. Wind Loads:
British Standards Institution.
Australian Standard AS 1170, Part 2-1983, SAA Loading Code Part 2
forces: Standard Association of Australia.

wind

Mehta, K. C. 1984, Wind load Provisions ANSI A58.1-1982. Journal of

Structural Engineering, Vol. 110 (4) April 1984. American Society of Civil
Engineers.
Newberry, C. W. and K. J. Eaton, (1974), Wind Loading Handbook. Building
Research Establishment Report, England.
Building Research Establishment, (1984). The assessment of wind loads, Digest
1 19, England.
Building Research Establishment, (1984). The assessment of wind speed over
topography, Digest 283, England.
Building Research Establishment, (1984). Wind loads on canopy roofs, Digest
284, England.
Holmes, J. D., (1983). Wind loads on low rise buildings
Highett.

A review, CSIRO,

B Holmes, J. D. (1984). Format and data requirements for the Australian

Standard on wind forces, Proceedings of Workship on wind engineering and
industrial aerodynamics, 3 t o 5 July 1984, CSIRO, Highett.
Pers. Comm. SANZ.
Standards Association of NZ, (1984). Trans-Tasman Memorandum of
Understanding t o ease barriers t o trade. Standards: Vol. 30, (9) September
1984, 16-17.

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Optfans f o r a wind l o a d i n g code

BRANZ conference paper : 9

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