6-1

6.6.
metl
deta
desi:
with
secc
Con
CHAPTERS
EXAMPLES

This chapter has three appendixes 5.A, 5.B and 5.C will demonstrate the
application of the recommended guidelines for calculating wind loads on pipe racks,
open frame structures, and vessels. The structures considered will be based on the
ones described in Chapter 3. The structures are located in an assumed petrochemical
plant near Lake Charles, Louisiana (in southwest Louisiana about 20 miles from the
coast).

All calculations are performed using the guidelines from Chapter 4 and the
provisions of ASCE 7-95. Design wind forces for all of the structures are determined
using the expression

F=qz GCfA (4.1)

The velocity pressure qz is determined using Section 6.5 of ASCE 7.

qz = 0.00256 K z Kzt y2 I (ASCE 7, Eq. 6-1)

The basic wind speed Y is obtained from Figure 6-1 of ASCE 7. For the plant
location near Lake Charles, Louisiana, Y",120 mph (54 mls). This is a 3-second gust
wind speed with an annual probability of exceedence of 0.02 (i.e., mean recurrence
interval of 50 years).

The importance factor I is obtained from ASCE 7 Table 6-2. For this example an
importance factor was chosen based on Category III structures.

The exposure category is selected in accordance with ASCE 7, Section 6.5.3.

Exposure C, open terrain with scattered obstructions, was used for this example.
Assuming no terrain features such as hills or escarpments are present, the topographic
factor Kzt=l.O per ASCE 7 section 6.5.5. The velocity pressure exposure coefficients
K z are obtained from ASCE 7, Table 6-3. Velocity pressures are determined using
ASCE 7, Eq. 6-1 shown above. Table 5.1 gives values for qz at several heights.

5-1