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An example of ASCE 7-16 wind load calculations (directional procedure) for an L-shaped building
In this article, an example wind load pressure calculation for an L-shaped building in Cordova, Tennessee will be shown. This calculation will be in accordance with ASCE
7-16 wind load calculations (directional procedure).

For this case study, the structure data are as follows:

Figure 1. Site location (from Google Maps).

Figure 2. L-shaped plant structure.
Figure 3. Plan dimensions of the structure using the Structural 3D Plan Gridlines function

Cordova, Memphis, Tennessee

Location
Elevation +110.0m
Occupancy Miscellaneous – Plant Structure
Terrain Flat farmland
28m (12m width) x 24m (8m width) in plan
Eave height of 5 m
Apex height at elev. 8 m
Dimensions Roof slope:
1:2 for main frame (26.57°)
3:4 for extension (36.87°)
 With opening
Table 1. Building data needed for our wind calculation.

A similar calculation for a gable roof construction using ASCE 7-10 (imperial units) is referenced in this example and can be accessed using this link. The formula in
determining the design wind pressure are:

For enclosed and partially enclosed buildings:

p=qGCp−qi(GCpi) (1)

For open buildings:

[Math Processing Error] (2)

Where:

G = gust effect factor

Cp = external pressure coefficient
( )(GCpi)= internal pressure coefficient
[Math Processing Error] = velocity pressure, in Pa, given by the formula:

[Math Processing Error] (3)

[Math Processing Error] = [Math Processing Error] for leeward walls, side walls, and roofs,evaluated at roof mean height, [Math Processing Error]
q = qz for windward walls, evaluated at height, z
qi = qh for negative internal pressure, ( − )(−GCpi) evaluation and [Math Processing Error] for positive internal pressure evaluation ( + )(+GCpi) of
partially enclosed buildings but can be taken as [Math Processing Error] for conservative value.
[Math Processing Error] = velocity pressure coefficient
[Math Processing Error]= topographic factor
[Math Processing Error]= wind directionality factor
[Math Processing Error] = basic wind speed in m/s

Risk Category
The first thing in determining the design wind pressures is to classify the risk category of the structure, which is based on the use or occupancy of the structure. Since this
example is a plant structure, the structure is classified as Risk Category IV. See Table 1.5-1 of ASCE 7-16 for more information about risk categories classification.

Basic Wind Speed, V

In ASCE 7-16, the wind speed data can be obtained from Figures 26.5-1 to 26.5-2. From Figure 26.5-1A, Cordova, Memphis, Tennessee is near the red dot shown in
Figure 3 below, and subsequently, the basic wind speed, V, is 52 m/s. Take note that the values should be interpolated between known wind contours.
 Figure 3. Basic wind speed for Risk Category IV from ASCE 7-16 Figure 26.5-1D.

SkyCiv can automate the wind speed calculations using just a few parameters. Try our SkyCiv Free Wind Tool.

Exposure Category
See Section 26.7 of ASCE 7-16 details the procedure in determining the exposure category.

Depending on the wind direction selected, the exposure of the structure shall be determined from the upwind 45° sector. The exposure to be adopted should be the one that
will yield the highest wind load from the said direction. The description of each exposure classification is detailed in Section 26.7.2 and 26.7.3 of ASCE 7-16.

For our example, since the location of the structure is in a farmland in Cordova, Memphis, Tennessee, without any buildings taller than 30 ft, therefore the area is classified
as Exposure C. A helpful tool in determining the exposure category is to view your potential site through a satellite image (Google Maps for example).

Wind Directionality Factor, [Math Processing Error]

The wind directionality factors, [Math Processing Error], for our structure are both equal to 0.85 since the building is the main wind force resisting system and also has
components and cladding attached to the structure. This is shown in Table 26.6-1 of ASCE 7-16.

Topographic Factor, [Math Processing Error]

Since the location of the structure is in a flat farmland, we can assume that the topographic factor, Kzt, is 1.0. Otherwise, the factor can be solved using Figure 26.8-1 of
ASCE 7-16. To determine if further calculations of the topographic factor are required, see Section 26.8.1, if your site does not meet all of the conditions listed, then the
topographic factor can be taken as 1.0.

Note: Topography factors can automatically be calculated using SkyCiv Wind Design Software. For more information on calculation of topography factor, check this article.

Ground Elevation Factor, Ke

The ground elevation factor, Ke, is introduced in ASCE 7-16 to consider the variation in the air density based on ground elevation above mean sea level. This factor can
be calculated using:

[Math Processing Error] (4)

Where:
[Math Processing Error] is the ground elevation above mean sea level in meters
Hence, for this case study, since the ground elevation is +110.0m, Ke is equal to 0.987.

Velocity Pressure Coefficient, Kz

The velocity pressure coefficient, [Math Processing Error], can be calculated using Table 26.10-1 of ASCE 7-16. This parameter depends on the height above ground level
of the point where the wind pressure is considered, and the exposure category. Moreover, the values shown in the table is based on the following formula:

For 4.6 m < [Math Processing Error] < [Math Processing Error]: [Math Processing Error] (5)
For [Math Processing Error] < 4.6 m: = 2.01(4.6 / ) / Kz=2.01(4.6/zg)2/α (6)

Where:

Exposure α [Math Processing Error](m)

Exposure B 7.0 365.76
Exposure C 9.5 274.32
Exposure D 11.5 213.36
Table 2. Terrain Exposure Constants from Table 26.11-1 of ASCE 7-16.

Usually, velocity pressure coefficients at the mean roof height, [Math Processing Error], and at each floor level, [Math Processing Error], are the values we would need in
order to solve for the design wind pressures. For this example, since the wind pressure on the windward side is parabolic in nature, we can simplify this load by assuming
that uniform pressure is applied on walls between floor levels. We can simplify the windward pressure and divide it into 2 levels, at the eave height (+5.0m), and at the
mean roof height (+6.5m). Moreover, α = 9.5 and [Math Processing Error] is equal to 274.32 m since the location of the structure is classified as Exposure C.

Elevation (m) Kz
5 (eave height) 0.865
6.5 (mean roof height) 0.914
Table 3. The calculated values of velocity pressure coefficient for each elevation height.

Velocity Pressure, q
From Equation (3), we can solve for the velocity pressure, q in Pa, at each elevation being considered.

Elevation, m Kz Kzt Kd Ke V, m/s [Math Processing Error], Pa

5 (eave height) 0.865 1.0 0.85 0.987 52 1202.87
6.5 (mean roof height) 0.914 1.0 0.85 0.987 52 [Math Processing Error] = 1271.01

Gust Effect Factor, [Math Processing Error]

The gust effect factor, [Math Processing Error], is set to 0.85 as the structure is assumed rigid (Section 26.11 of ASCE 7-16).

Enclosure Classification and Internal Pressure Coefficient, ( )(GCpi)

The plant structure is assumed to have openings that satisfy the definition of a partially enclosed building in Section 26.2 of ASCE 7-16. Thus, the internal pressure
coefficient, ( )(GCpi), shall be +0.55 and -0.55 based on Table 26.13-1 of ASCE 7-16. Therefore:

+ = (+ )+pi=qi(+GCpi) = (1271.01)(+0.55) = 699.06 Pa

[Math Processing Error] = (1271.01)(-0.55) = -699.06 Pa

External Pressure Coefficient, [Math Processing Error]

For enclosed and partially enclosed buildings, the External Pressure Coefficient, [Math Processing Error], is calculated using the information provided in Figure 27.4-1
through Figure 27.4-3. For a partially enclosed building with a gable roof, use Figure 27.4-1. External Pressure Coefficients for the walls and roof are calculated separately
using the building parameters L, B and h, which are defined in Note 7 of Figure 27.4-1.

For this example, since the structure is asymmetric, four wind directions will be considered: two (2) for wind direction parallel to 24m side, and two (2) for wind direction
parallel to 28m side.

For Wind Direction parallel to 24m side

Thus, we need to calculate the L/B and h/L:

Roof mean height, h = 6.5 m

Building length, L = 24 m
Building width, B = 28 m
L/B = 0.857
h/L = 0.271
h/B = 0.232

Wall Pressure Coefficients, [Math Processing Error], and External Pressure, [Math Processing Error]

.For walls, the external pressure coefficients are calculated from Figure 27.3-1 of ASCE 7-16 where [Math Processing Error] = 1271.011 Pa and [Math Processing
Error] = 0.85.

Surface h, m Wall Pressure Coefficients, [Math Processing Error] [Math Processing Error], Pa
Windward wall 5.0 0.8 817.953
6.5 0.8 864.288
Leeward wall 6.5 -0.5 -540.180
 Sidewalls 6.5 -0.7 -756.252

Roof Pressure Coefficients, [Math Processing Error], and External Pressure, pe

For roof, the external pressure coefficients are calculated from Figure 27.3-1 of ASCE 7-16 where [Math Processing Error] = 1271.011 Pa. Note that for this wind
direction, windward and leeward roof pressures (roof surfaces 1 and 2) are calculated using θ = 36.87° and θ = 0° for roof surfaces 3 and 4.

Surface Location Roof Pressure Coefficients, [Math Processing Error] [Math Processing Error], Pa
Windward roof – 0.4 432.144
Leeward roof – -0.6 -648.216
-0.9 -972.324
Parallel to wind (along the ridge) 0 to h from edge
-0.18 -194.465
-0.5 -540.180
h to 2h from edge
-0.18 -194.465
-0.3 -324.108
> 2h from edge
-0.18 -194.465

Therefore, combining [Math Processing Error] and [Math Processing Error], the corresponding design pressures can be obtained:

Elevation/Location, [Math Processing [Math Processing Error] – +[Math [Math Processing Error] – -[Math
Type Surface
m Error], Pa Processing Error], Pa Processing Error], Pa
Windward
Walls 5.0 817.953 118.897 1517.009
wall
6.5 864.288 165.231 1563.344
Leeward wall – -540.180 -1239.236 158.876
Sidewalls – -756.252 -1455.308 -57.196
Roof Windward – 432.144 -266.912 1131.200
Leeward – -648.216 -1347.272 50.840
Flat (along -972.324 -1671.380 -273.267
0 to h
ridge) -194.465 -893.521 504.592
-540.180 -1239.236 158.876
h to 2h
-194.465 -893.521 504.592
-324.108 -1023.164 374.948
> 2h
-194.465 -893.521 504.592
Figure 4. Corresponding wall pressures for wind direction parallel to 24m length.
Figure 5. Corresponding roof pressures for wind direction parallel to 24m length.
Figure 6. Corresponding wall pressures for wind direction parallel to 24m length (opposite direction)
 Figure 7. Corresponding roof pressures for wind direction parallel to 24m length (opposite direction).

For Wind Direction parallel to 28m side

Thus, we need to calculate the L/B and h/L:

Roof mean height, h = 6.5 m

Building length, L = 28 m
Building width, B = 24 m
L/B = 0.857
h/L = 0.232
h/B = 0.271

Wall Pressure Coefficients, Cp, and External Pressure, pe

.For design wall pressure, the external pressure coefficients are calculated from Figure 27.3-1 of ASCE 7-16 where qh = 1271.011 Pa and G = 0.85.

Surface h, m Wall Pressure Coefficients, Cp pe, Pa

Windward wall 5.0 0.8 817.953
6.5 0.8 864.288
Leeward wall 6.5 -0.467 -504.528
Sidewalls 6.5 -0.7 -756.252

Roof Pressure Coefficients, Cp, and External Pressure, pe

For roof, the external pressure coefficients are calculated from Figure 27.3-1 of ASCE 7-16 where qh = 1271.011 Pa. Note that for this wind direction, windward and
leeward roof pressures (roof surfaces 3 and 4) are calculated using θ =26.57° and θ = 0° for roof surfaces 1 and 2.

Surface Location Roof Pressure Coefficients, Cp pe, Pa

-0.2 -216.072
Windward roof –
0.3 324.108
Leeward roof – -0.6 -648.216
-0.9 -972.324
Parallel to wind (along the ridge) 0 to h from edge
-0.18 -194.465
-0.5 -540.180
h to 2h from edge
-0.18 -194.465
-0.3 -324.108
> 2h from edge
-0.18 -194.465

Therefore, combining pe and [Math Processing Error], the corresponding design pressures can be obtained:
Type Surface Elevation/Location, m [Math Processing Error], Pa pe – + pi, Pa pe – - pi, Pa
Walls Windward wall 5.0 817.953 118.897 1517.009
6.5 864.288 165.231 1563.344
Leeward wall – -504.528 -1203.584 194.528
Sidewalls – -756.252 -1455.308 -57.196
-216.072 -915.128 482.984
Roof Windward –
324.108 -374.948 1023.164
Leeward – -648.216 -1347.272 50.840
-972.324 -1671.380 -273.267
Flat (along ridge) 0 to h
-194.465 -893.521 504.592
-540.180 -1239.236 158.876
h to 2h
-194.465 -893.521 504.592
-324.108 -1023.164 374.948
> 2h
-194.465 -893.521 504.592
Figure 8. Corresponding wall pressures for wind direction parallel to 28m length.
Figure 9. Corresponding roof pressure for wind direction parallel to 28m side.
Figure 10. Corresponding wall pressures for wind direction parallel to 28m length (opposite direction).
Figure 11. Corresponding roof pressure for wind direction parallel to 28m side (opposite direction).
Patrick Aylsworth Garcia
Structural Engineer, Product Development
MS Civil Engineering
LinkedIn

References:
Coulbourne, W. L., & Stafford, T. E. (2020, April). Wind Loads: Guide to the Wind Load Provisions of ASCE 7-16. American Society of Civil Engineers.
American Society of Civil Engineers. (2017, June). Minimum design loads and associated criteria for buildings and other structures. American Society of Civil
Engineers.

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