The Most Common Errors in Wind Design &

How to Avoid Them

September 19, 2014

Emily Guglielmo, S.E.
Martin/Martin, Inc.

Enclosure Classification (26.2):

Enclosed Building: A building that does not comply with the

requirements for open or partially enclosed buildings.

Open Building: A building having each wall at least 80 percent open.

Partially Enclosed Building: A building that complies with both of the
following conditions:
1.

The total area of openings in a wall that receives positive external pressure exceeds
the sum of the areas of openings in the balance of the building envelope (walls and
roof) by more than 10 percent.

2.

The total area of openings in a wall that receives positive external pressure exceeds
4ft2 or 1% of area of that wall, whichever is smaller, and the percentage of openings
in the balance of the building envelope does not exceed 20%.

Enclosed, Partially Enclosed, Open?

Open Building: A building having each wall at least 80 percent open.

Partially Enclosed Building: A building that complies with both of the conditions:
1.

The total openings in a wall exceeds the sum of the areas of openings in the balance of the building
envelope by >10%.

2.

The total area of openings in a wall that receives positive external pressure exceeds 4ft2 or 1% of
area of that wall, and the percentage of openings in the balance of the building envelope 20%.

Enclosed Building: A building that does not comply with the requirements
for open or partially enclosed buildings.

Enclosed, Partially Enclosed, Open?

Enclosed, Partially Enclosed, Open?

Topographic Effect

Topographic Effect

Local abrupt topography affects wind near the ground.

Speed-up effect due to fluid mechanics (incompressible flow/ incompatibility)

Wind speed depends on shape

of hill, location of building, and
height above ground.
Must meet all the criteria of ASCE
6.5.7.1. Many times the
topography does not qualify.

Torsion

ASCE 7-10

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

13

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

14

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

ASCE 7-05

ASCE 7-10

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

ASCE 7-05

ASCE 7-10

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

ASCE 7-05

ASCE 7-10

17

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

ASCE 7-05

ASCE 7-10

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

ASCE 7-05

ASCE 7-10

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

ASCE 7-05

ASCE 7-10

20

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

ASCE 7-05

ASCE 7-10

21

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

ASCE 7-05

ASCE 7-10

22

Reorganization
The wind load provisions of ASCE 7-05 (Chapter 6) have
been reorganized into 6 Chapters in ASCE 7-10.
ASCE 7-05:

ASCE 7-10:

Reorganization
CHAPTER 26:
Wind Loads: General Requirements
CHAPTER 27:
Wind Loads On BuildingsMWFRS (Directional Procedure)
CHAPTER 28:
Wind Loads On BuildingsMWFRS (Envelope Procedure)
CHAPTER 29:
Wind Loads On Other Structures And Building
Appurtenances MWFRS
CHAPTER 30:
Wind Loads Components And Cladding (C&C)
CHAPTER 31:
Wind Tunnel Procedure

ADVANTAGES:
Keeps section numbering
smaller.
6.4.2.1.1 now 28.6.4
Locates major subject areas as
distinct chapters.
Orders the provisions in a
logical sequence.

25

Reorganization
Each chapter contains tables that outline the design steps.

Hurricane Zone Changes

New Hurricane Simulation Model
Generally lower design wind speeds.

Reintroduction of Exposure D in hurricane regions.

Research shows that the roughness of ocean does not
continue to increase with increasing wind speed and
Exposure D is valid.

New windborne debris region results

in less areas subject to windborne
debris requirements.

27

Chapter 26: General

Requirements
Section 26.5: Basic Wind Speeds
New wind speed maps with 2 major changes:
1. Maps provide wind speeds at strength design
level.
2. Maps are provided for different Risk
Categories instead of a single map with
importance factors to be applied.

Chapter 26: General

Requirements

Be careful during transition to ASCE 7-10 with respect to wind loads (strength)
and use of new/ old load combinations!

ASCE 7-05:
(1) BASIC
WIND SPEED
MAP

30

ASCE 7-10:
(3) BASIC WIND SPEED MAPS

Occupancy/Risk
Category I

Occupancy/ Risk
Category II

Occupancy/ Risk
Category III, IV

300-year return period

700-year return period

1700-year return period

ASCE 7-05 I=1.0

ASCE 7-05 I=1.15

ASCE 7-05 I=0.87 or 0.77

31

Chapter 26: General

Requirements
COMPARATIVE WIND PRESSURES FOR
SAN FRANCISCO

Chapter 26: General

Requirements
COMPARATIVE WIND PRESSURES FOR
CHICAGO

105

115

120

33

Chapter 26: General

Requirements
Question:
Resolution of the wind speed maps that are displayed in ASCE 7 are not sufficient to
determine a site specific wind speed. There are no reference city or town locations on
the ASCE 7 maps and while county boundaries are shown, the resolution is affected
when the maps are expanded large enough to distinguish the boundaries and
approximate the city locations.

Answer: ATC Webpage

http://www.atcouncil.org/windspeed/

34

Chapter 26: General

Requirements

Chapter 26: General

Requirements

Chapter 26: General

Requirements
Question:
If I have a product manufacturers evaluation report based on the unfactored wind
speeds from ASCE 7-05 (or earlier), how can I correlate to ASCE 7-10 values?
Answer:
Similar to the wind speed map changes from fastest-mile to 3-second gust, the
transition to strength level design maps will take some time and adjustment. To ease
transition, a table is provided in the Commentary to ASCE 7-10.

Chapter 26: General

Requirements
Question:
Part of the map are listed as a Special Wind Region on the Basic Wind Speed Maps.
How do I determine my wind pressures?
Answer:
Similar to current practice, the building department will have
to develop a basic wind speed for their jurisdiction. However,
they will now need to develop 3 winds speeds, dependent on
risk category and take into account the change to strength
level design forces for wind.

38

ASCE
7-05
Wind
Loads

Summary of
Methods:
Method
1:
Simplified
Procedure

Method
2:
Analytical
Procedure

Method
3: Wind
Tunnel
Procedure

Section 6.4

Section 6.5

Section 6.6

MWFRS

C&C

6.4.2.1

6.4.2.2

Buildings
of All
Heights
6.5.12.2.1

Enclosed/
Partially
Enclosed

Open
6.5.13

6.5.12

MWFRS

C&C

MWFRS

C&C

6.5.12.
2

6.5.12.
4

6.5.13.
2

6.5.13.
3

Low-Rise
Buildings
(h<60
feet)
6.5.12.2.2

Flexible
Buildings

Parapets

6.5.12.2.3

6.5.12.2.4

Low-Rise
Buildings
h<60 feet

H> 60 feet

6.5.12.4.1

6.5.12.4.2

Alternate
Design

Parapets

60 ft<h<90
ft

6.5.12.4.3

6.5.12.4.4

Solid
Walls/
Signs

Other
Structures

6.5.14

6.5.15

Summary of
Methods:

ASCE
7-05
Wind
Loads

Method
1:
Simplified
Procedure

Method
2:
Analytical
Procedure

Method
3: Wind
Tunnel
Procedure

Section 6.4

Section 6.5

Section 6.6

MWFRS

C&C

6.4.2.1

6.4.2.2

Buildings
of All
Heights
6.5.12.2.1

Enclosed/
Partially
Enclosed

Open
6.5.13

6.5.12

MWFRS

C&C

MWFRS

C&C

6.5.12.
2

6.5.12.
4

6.5.13.
2

6.5.13.
3

Low-Rise
Buildings
(h<60
feet)
6.5.12.2.2

Flexible
Buildings

Parapets

6.5.12.2.3

6.5.12.2.4

Low-Rise
Buildings
h<60 feet

H> 60 feet

6.5.12.4.1

6.5.12.4.2

Alternate
Design

Solid
Walls/
Signs

Other
Structures

6.5.14

6.5.15

Parapets

60 ft<h<90
ft

6.5.12.4.3

6.5.12.4.4

40

Summary of
Methods:

ASCE
7-05
Wind
Loads

Method
1:
Simplified
Procedure

Method
2:
Analytical
Procedure

Method
3: Wind
Tunnel
Procedure

Section 6.4

Section 6.5

Section 6.6

MWFRS

C&C

6.4.2.1

6.4.2.2

Buildings
of All
Heights
6.5.12.2.1

Enclosed/
Partially
Enclosed

Open
6.5.13

6.5.12

MWFRS

C&C

MWFRS

C&C

6.5.12.
2

6.5.12.
4

6.5.13.
2

6.5.13.
3

Low-Rise
Buildings
(h<60
feet)
6.5.12.2.2

Flexible
Buildings

Parapets

6.5.12.2.3

6.5.12.2.4

Low-Rise
Buildings
h<60 feet

H> 60 feet

6.5.12.4.1

6.5.12.4.2

Alternate
Design

Solid
Walls/
Signs

Other
Structures

6.5.14

6.5.15

Parapets

60 ft<h<90
ft

6.5.12.4.3

6.5.12.4.4

41

ASCE
7-05
Wind
Loads

Summary of
Methods:
Method
1:
Simplified
Procedure

Method
2:
Analytical
Procedure

Method
3: Wind
Tunnel
Procedure

Section 6.4

Section 6.5

Section 6.6

MWFRS

C&C

6.4.2.1

6.4.2.2

Buildings
of All
Heights
6.5.12.2.1

Enclosed/
Partially
Enclosed

Open
6.5.13

6.5.12

MWFRS

C&C

MWFRS

C&C

6.5.12.
2

6.5.12.
4

6.5.13.
2

6.5.13.
3

Low-Rise
Buildings
(h<60
feet)
6.5.12.2.2

Flexible
Buildings

Parapets

6.5.12.2.3

6.5.12.2.4

Low-Rise
Buildings
h<60 feet

H> 60 feet

6.5.12.4.1

6.5.12.4.2

Alternate
Design

Parapets

60 ft<h<90
ft

6.5.12.4.3

6.5.12.4.4

Solid
Walls/
Signs

Other
Structures

6.5.14

6.5.15

Summary of
Methods:

ASCE
7-05
Wind
Loads

Method
1:
Simplified
Procedure

Method
2:
Analytical
Procedure

Method
3: Wind
Tunnel
Procedure

Section 6.4

Section 6.5

Section 6.6

MWFRS

C&C

6.4.2.1

6.4.2.2

Buildings
of All
Heights
6.5.12.2.1

Enclosed/
Partially
Enclosed

Open
6.5.13

6.5.12

MWFRS

C&C

MWFRS

C&C

6.5.12.
2

6.5.12.
4

6.5.13.
2

6.5.13.
3

Low-Rise
Buildings
(h<60
feet)
6.5.12.2.2

Flexible
Buildings

Parapets

6.5.12.2.3

6.5.12.2.4

Low-Rise
Buildings
h<60 feet

H> 60 feet

6.5.12.4.1

6.5.12.4.2

Alternate
Design

Solid
Walls/
Signs

Other
Structures

6.5.14

6.5.15

Parapets

60 ft<h<90
ft

6.5.12.4.3

6.5.12.4.4

43

Summary of
Methods:

ASCE
7-05
Wind
Loads

Method
1:
Simplified
Procedure

Method
2:
Analytical
Procedure

Method
3: Wind
Tunnel
Procedure

Section 6.4

Section 6.5

Section 6.6

MWFRS

C&C

6.4.2.1

6.4.2.2

Buildings
of All
Heights
6.5.12.2.1

Enclosed/
Partially
Enclosed

Open
6.5.13

6.5.12

MWFRS

C&C

MWFRS

C&C

6.5.12.
2

6.5.12.
4

6.5.13.
2

6.5.13.
3

Low-Rise
Buildings
(h<60
feet)

Flexible
Buildings

Parapets

Directional6.5.12.2.3
Approach
6.5.12.2.4
6.5.12.2.2

Low-Rise
Buildings
h<60 feet

H> 60 feet

6.5.12.4.1

6.5.12.4.2

Alternate
Design

Solid
Walls/
Signs

Other
Structures

6.5.14

6.5.15

Parapets

60 ft<h<90
ft

6.5.12.4.3

6.5.12.4.4

44

Summary of
Methods:

ASCE
7-05
Wind
Loads

Method
1:
Simplified
Procedure

Method
2:
Analytical
Procedure

Method
3: Wind
Tunnel
Procedure

Section 6.4

Section 6.5

Section 6.6

MWFRS

C&C

6.4.2.1

6.4.2.2

Buildings
of All
Heights
6.5.12.2.1

Enclosed/
Partially
Enclosed

Open
6.5.13

6.5.12

MWFRS

C&C

MWFRS

C&C

6.5.12.
2

6.5.12.
4

6.5.13.
2

6.5.13.
3

Low-Rise
Buildings
(h<60
feet)
6.5.12.2.2

Flexible
Buildings

Parapets

Low-Rise
Buildings
h<60 feet

Envelope6.5.12.2.4
Approach
6.5.12.4.1

6.5.12.2.3

H> 60 feet

Alternate
Design

Solid
Walls/
Signs

Other
Structures

6.5.14

6.5.15

Parapets

60 ft<h<90
ft

6.5.12.4.2

6.5.12.4.3

6.5.12.4.4

45

ASCE
7-05
Wind
Loads

Summary of
Methods:
Method
1:
Simplified
Procedure

Method
2:
Analytical
Procedure

Method
3: Wind
Tunnel
Procedure

Section 6.4

Section 6.5

Section 6.6

MWFRS

C&C

6.4.2.1

6.4.2.2

Buildings
of All
Heights
6.5.12.2.1

Enclosed/
Partially
Enclosed

Open
6.5.13

6.5.12

MWFRS

C&C

MWFRS

C&C

6.5.12.
2

6.5.12.
4

6.5.13.
2

6.5.13.
3

Low-Rise
Buildings
(h<60
feet)
6.5.12.2.2

Flexible
Buildings

Parapets

6.5.12.2.3

6.5.12.2.4

Low-Rise
Buildings
h<60 feet

H> 60 feet

6.5.12.4.1

6.5.12.4.2

Alternate
Design

Solid
Walls/
Signs

Other
Structures

6.5.14

6.5.15

Parapets

60 ft<h<90
ft

6.5.12.4.3

6.5.12.4.4

46

ASCE
7-05
Wind
Loads

Summary of
Methods:
Method
1:
Simplified
Procedure

Method
2:
Analytical
Procedure

Method
3: Wind
Tunnel
Procedure

Section 6.4

Section 6.5

Section 6.6

MWFRS

C&C

6.4.2.1

6.4.2.2

Buildings
of All
Heights
6.5.12.2.1

Enclosed/
Partially
Enclosed

Open
6.5.13

6.5.12

MWFRS

C&C

MWFRS

C&C

6.5.12.
2

6.5.12.
4

6.5.13.
2

6.5.13.
3

Low-Rise
Buildings
(h<60
feet)
6.5.12.2.2

Flexible
Buildings

Parapets

6.5.12.2.3

6.5.12.2.4

Low-Rise
Buildings
h<60 feet

H> 60 feet

6.5.12.4.1

6.5.12.4.2

Alternate
Design

Parapets

60 ft<h<90
ft

6.5.12.4.3

6.5.12.4.4

Solid
Walls/
Signs

Other
Structures

6.5.14

6.5.15

ASCE
7-05
Wind
Loads

Summary of
Methods:
Method
1:
Simplified
Procedure

Method
2:
Analytical
Procedure

Method
3: Wind
Tunnel
Procedure

Section 6.4

Section 6.5

Section 6.6

MWFRS

C&C

6.4.2.1

6.4.2.2

Buildings
of All
Heights
6.5.12.2.1

Enclosed/
Partially
Enclosed

Open
6.5.13

6.5.12

MWFRS

C&C

MWFRS

C&C

6.5.12.
2

6.5.12.
4

6.5.13.
2

6.5.13.
3

Low-Rise
Buildings
(h<60
feet)
6.5.12.2.2

Flexible
Buildings

Parapets

6.5.12.2.3

6.5.12.2.4

Low-Rise
Buildings
h<60 feet

H> 60 feet

6.5.12.4.1

6.5.12.4.2

Alternate
Design

Parapets

60 ft<h<90
ft

6.5.12.4.3

6.5.12.4.4

Solid
Walls/
Signs

Other
Structures

6.5.14

6.5.15

ASCE
7-05
Wind
Loads

Summary of
Methods:
Method
1:
Simplified
Procedure

Method
2:
Analytical
Procedure

Method
3: Wind
Tunnel
Procedure

Section 6.4

Section 6.5

Section 6.6

MWFRS

C&C

6.4.2.1

6.4.2.2

Buildings
of All
Heights
6.5.12.2.1

Enclosed/
Partially
Enclosed

Open
6.5.13

6.5.12

MWFRS

C&C

MWFRS

C&C

6.5.12.
2

6.5.12.
4

6.5.13.
2

6.5.13.
3

Low-Rise
Buildings
(h<60
feet)
6.5.12.2.2

Flexible
Buildings

Parapets

6.5.12.2.3

6.5.12.2.4

Low-Rise
Buildings
h<60 feet

H> 60 feet

6.5.12.4.1

6.5.12.4.2

Alternate
Design

Parapets

60 ft<h<90
ft

6.5.12.4.3

6.5.12.4.4

Solid
Walls/
Signs

Other
Structures

6.5.14

6.5.15

Summary of
Methods:

ASCE
7-10
Wind
Loads

Chapter
27:
MWFRS

Chapter
28:
MWFRS

Chapter
29:
MWFRS

Directional
Procedure

Envelope
Procedure

Other
Structure/
Building
Appurtenances

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Enclosed,
Partially
Enclosed,
Open
Buildings All
Heights

Enclosed
Simple
Diaphragm
Buildings
With h 160
ft

Enclosed
and Partially
Enclosed
Low-Rise
Buildings

Enclosed
Simple
Diaphragm
Low- Rise
Buildings

Part 1:

Low-Rise
Buildings

Chapter
30:
C&C

Part 2:

Low-Rise
Buildings
(Simplified)

Part 3:

Buildings
with h>60 ft

Chapter
31:
Wind
Tunnel
Procedure

Part 4:

Buildings
with h160 ft
(Simplified)

Part 5:

Part 6:

Open
Buildings

Building
Appurtenanc
es, Rooftop
Structures,
Equipment

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

NO SUBSTANTIATIVE CHANGES
NEW METHODS INTRODUCED
LARGER CHANGES/ ADDITIONS

57

CHANGES TO MINIMUM
DESIGN WIND LOADS
Sections 27.4.7, 28.4.4, 28.6.4

ASCE 7-05

ASCE 7-10

58

CHANGES TO MINIMUM
DESIGN WIND LOADS
Sample Problem:
Exposure B
L=B=60 feet
hwall=8 feet
Roof angle=10 degrees

hwall=8 feet

59

CHANGES TO MINIMUM
DESIGN WIND LOADS
Solved with Directional Procedure:
For V<158 mph (ultimate) the
minimum design wind load
controls.
A building with V=115mph would
be required to have the same
lateral resistance as a building with
V=158mph.

All building required to have the same

resistance as highest hurricane zone!

Solved with Envelope Procedure:

For V<174 mph (ultimate) the
minimum design wind load
controls.
A building with V=115mph
would be required to have the
same lateral resistance as a
building with V=174mph.
60

CHANGES TO MINIMUM
DESIGN WIND LOADS

More Reasonable:
Reduce the minimum lateral load on
the vertical projection of the roof to
half the minimum required on the
wall.
61

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2

UBC 1976 Wind Load Calculations

63

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2

CHAPTER 27:
DIRECTIONAL
PROCEDURE
PART 1:
Enclosed, partially
enclosed, open buildings of
all heights
(ASCE 7-05 Method 2)

48 different variables!
24 equations!

PART 2:
Enclosed, simple diaphragm
buildings,
h 160 ft

CLASS 1:
h 60 ft
0.2 L/B 5.0

CLASS 2:
60 ft h 160 ft
0.5 L/B 2.0

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2

CHAPTER 27:
DIRECTIONAL
PROCEDURE
PART 1:
Enclosed, partially
enclosed, open buildings of
all heights
(ASCE 7-05 Method 2)

PART 2:
Enclosed, simple diaphragm
buildings,
h 160 ft

CLASS 1:
h 60 ft
0.2 L/B 5.0

CLASS 2:
60 ft h 160 ft
0.5 L/B 2.0

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2

Requirements
for Use:
Enclosed
Simple
diaphragm
buildings
h 160 ft

CLASS 1:

CLASS 2:

66

Simple Diaphragm Building

A building in which both

windward and leeward
wind loads are
transmitted by roof and
vertically spanning wall
assemblies through
continuous floor and roof
diaphragms, to the
MWFRS.

Diaphragms receive edge loading from

the windward wall and distribute the
loads to the shear walls.

Wind pressure applied to

windward wall.

Wind

Shear walls receive the loads from the

diaphragms and transfer the loads to
the foundation.

67

Simple Diaphragm Building

Question: What are good or bad examples of simple diaphragm
buildings?
Answer:
Bad:
Metal buildings (horizontally spanning girts).
Building with expansion joints in the MWFRS.
Good:
Light frame construction with plywood shear walls.
CMU wall buildings.
Concrete frames.
Steel frames with vertically spanning walls and diaphragm floors and roofs.

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2

Top row: ph, Bottom row: po

70

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2

48.8 psf

36.4 psf

Question: If this method applies for 0.2 L/B 5, why does the table only
include L/B from 0.5 to 2.0?
Answer: Note 27.6.1
- For Class 1 building
with L/B values less
than 0.5, use wind
pressures tabulated for
L/B = 0.5.
- For Class 1 building
with L/B values greater
than 2.0, use wind
pressures tabulated for
L/B = 2.0.

72

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2

Where two load cases are shown

in the table, both load cases must
be investigated.
74

75

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2

Question: What if Im not in Exposure C?

Answer: Adjustment factor per 27.6-2.

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2
Question: Is it possible to determine windward and leeward pressures rather than a total net pressure?
Answer: Footnote 4, Table 27.6-1
Distribution of tabulated net wall pressures between windward and leeward wall faces shall be based on the
linear distribution of total net pressure with building height as shown above and the leeward external wall
pressures assumed uniformly distributed over the leeward wall surface acting outward at 38% of ph for 0.2
L/B 1.0 and 27% of ph for 2.0 L/B 5.0. Linear interpolation shall be used for 1.0 < L/B < 2.0. The
remaining net pressure shall be applied to the windward walls as an external wall pressure acting towards the
wall surface. Windward and leeward wall pressures so determined do not include effect of internal pressure.

77

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2
Question: How do I account for increased MWFRS pressures on my parapets?
Answer: Figure 27.6-2 Surprisingly simple!

At L/B=1

78

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2
Question: What does this parapet pressure include? Windward and leeway parapets? Windward and
leeward surfaces?
Answer: Parapet net pressure accounts for pressures on windward and leeward surfaces of windward and
leeward walls.

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2
Question: How do I account for net pressure distribution on sidewalls?
Answer: Footnote 2, Table 27.6-1
Side wall external pressures shall be uniform over the wall surface acting outward and shall be taken as 54%
of the tabulated ph pressure for 0.2 L/B 1.0 and 64% of the tabulated ph pressure for 2.0 L/B 5.0.
Linear interpolation shall apply for 1.0 < L/B < 2.0. Side wall external pressures do not include effect of
internal pressure.

80

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2

Combine net wall and roof pressures.

Pressures on the windward, leeward, and sidewalls and on roof and parapet
are applied simultaneously.

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2
Question: Does this simplified method allow me to account for overhangs for MWFRS pressures?
Answer: Yes. Section 27.6.3
The effect of vertical wind loads on any roof overhangs shall be based on the application of a positive wind
pressure on the underside of the windward overhang equal to 75% of the roof edge pressure from Table 27.62 for Zone 1 or Zone 3 as applicable. This pressure shall be applied to the windward roof overhang only and
shall be applied simultaneously with other tabulated wall and roof pressures as shown in Fig. 27.6-3.

Chapter 27, MWFRS Directional

Procedure, Part 2
Question: If I use Chapter 27 Part 2 to calculate my wind pressures, do I need to consider torsion?
Answer: Yes. The MWFRSs in each direction need to be designed for the wind load cases defined in Figure
27.4-8.
The only exception: Torsional cases 2 and 4 do not need to be considered for buildings that meet with spatial distribution and stiffness of the MWFRSs
provided in new Appendix D.

Chapter 28: MWFRS

Envelope Procedure

No major changes

Chapter 29: MWFRS

Other Structures

A couple of larger changes, additions.

Chapter 29: MWFRS Other

Structures and Appurtenances

Signs
Rooftop structures
Other structures

86

29.4 Solid Freestanding

Walls and Signs
Solid signs attached to walls will
experience wind pressures
approximately equal to external
pressures on the wall.

Pressure distribution for signs

attached to walls with framework with
a large gap between the wall and the
sign will approach that of a solid
freestanding sign.

The wind pressure on a solid sign attached to the wall of a building: Use
Chapter 30 (C&C), with the internal pressure coefficient, GCpi =0.
Also applicable to solid signs attached to, but not in direct contact, provided:
The gap between the sign and wall is no more than 3 ft, and
The edge of the sign is at least 3 ft in from free edges of the wall.

29.5.1 Rooftop Structures

and Equipment
Wind force for rooftop structures and equipment has
been revised to include a vertical component.

Chapter 30 (C&C) is based on this MWFRS section for

rooftop structures, equipment.

Chapter 30: C&C

No major changes to Parts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6.

ASCE 7-05
Method 2
ASCE 7-05
Method 2

ASCE 7-05
Method 2
>60 ft and Alt.
ASCE 7-05
Method 1
ASCE 7-05
Method 2
Low-Rise

Chapter 30: C&C- Part 4

Chapter 30: C&C- Part 4

92

Chapter 30:
C&C- Part 4

Chapter 30: C&C- Part 4

Similar to MWFRS, we adjust the tabulated wind pressure for Exposure B
or D, as needed.
This term is called EAF (Exposure Adjustment Factor).

Chapter 30: C&C- Part 4

Question:
What tributary area is the tabulated value based on? Is there a way to adjust the
pressure for my actual tributary area?
Answer:
Pressures in Table 30.7-2
are based on an effective wind area of
10 ft2. Reductions in wind pressure for
larger effective wind areas may be
taken based on the reduction
multipliers (RF) shown in the table.
This term is called RF (Reduction
Factor).

95

Chapter 30: C&C- Part 4

Chapter 30: C&C- Part 4

Question: How do I determine C&C wind pressures on my parapets?
Answer: Section 30.7.1.2. Two cases to consider:

p1= Positive wall pressure for Zone 4 or 5

p2= Negative roof pressure for Zone 2 or 3
CASE A

p3= Positive wall pressure for Zone 4 or 5

p4= Negative wall pressure for Zone 4 or 5
CASE B

Chapter 30: C&C

Part 6 Roof Overhangs

Chapter 30: C&C

Part 6 Roof Overhangs
SOFFIT DESIGN:
The hurricanes of 2004 provided fresh evidence of the importance of properly
designing soffits.
Many buildings suffered minimal damage other than loss of the soffit material.
However, due to wind and rain, there is often significant damage to the inside of the
building when soffits fail.

Chapter 30: C&C Part 6

Roof Overhangs
Question: What wind pressure should I use for design of a soffit under an eave?
In ASCE 7-05 the C&C GCp provided the total uplift on the overhang. It wasnt
clear how to separate the top from the bottom surface pressure to properly
design a soffit.
Research and analysis shows that the pressure on the underside of the roof
overhang is the same as the pressure on the adjacent wall.
Top Surface Pressure: Pressure
calculated using GCp for overhangs
minus the surface pressure calculated
below.

Bottom Surface Pressure:

Pressure calculated using GCp
for walls based on the effective
wind area of the soffit.

100

Chapter 31: Wind

Tunnel Procedures
New lower limits are relocated
from Commentary to the
Standard 31.4.3

Questions?