Wind Loads (Wind Data Tab)

ASCE-2010 Wind Data

Basic Wind Speed [V] - Enter the design value of the wind speed. This varies according to
geographical location and according to company or vendor standards. Typical wind speeds in
miles per hour are 85.0, 100.0, 110.0, and 120.0.
Enter the lowest value reasonably allowed by the standards that you are following. The
reason for this is that the wind design pressure, and thus force, increases as the square of the
speed.
Base Elevation - Enter the elevation at the base of the vessel. This value is used to calculate
the height of each point in the vessel above grade. For example, if the vessel is mounted on a
pedestal foundation or on top of another vessel, it is exposed to higher wind pressures than
when it is mounted at grade.
Terrain Surface Roughness - Select an exposure factor:
 Exposure A - Large city centers.
 Exposure B - Urban and suburban areas.
 Exposure C - Open terrain.
Most petrochemical sites use this value.
 Exposure D - Flat unobstructed coastal areas.
 Not Used
Importance Factor [I] - This value is no longer used.
Type of Surface - Enter the roughness factor (from ASCE 7-10, Figure 29.5-1):
 Smooth (Moderately smooth)
 Rough (D'/D = 0.02)
 Very Rough (D'/D = 0.08)

 Most petrochemical sites use Smooth.

 You can use very rough to account for items such as platforms, piping, and ladders, instead
of entering them explicitly as a tributary wind area or implicitly as an increased wind
diameter.
 If your specification calls out for a defined value of the wind shape factor, go to the Tools
tab and click Set Configuration Parameters to enter it directly on the Job Specific Setup
Parameters tab.
Hill Height [H] - Enter the height of a hill or escarpment relative to the upwind terrain. For more
information, see ASCE 7-10, Figure 29.8-1.
Distance to Site [x] - Enter the distance (upwind or downwind) from the crest of the hill to the
building site. For more information, see ASCE 7-10, Figure 29.8-1.
Crest Distance [Lh] - Enter the distance upwind of the crest of the hill to where the difference in
ground elevation is half the height of the hill or escarpment. For more information, see ASCE
7-10, Figure 29.8-1.

356 PV Elite User's Guide