IS 875-3 Wind Load Calculation Example

A fully worked example of IS 875-3 wind load calculations

In this article, an example wind load pressure calculation for a building
in Walwane, Maharashtra, India (18.945695° N, 74.564866° E) will be
shown. This calculation will be in accordance with IS 875-3:2015 wind
load calculations. SkyCiv free wind load calculator recently added the IS
875-3 wind load calculations, hence, we are going to demonstrate how
to calculate the wind loads, by using an S3D Barnhouse model below:

Figure 1. Barnhouse model in SkyCiv S3D as an example.

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

Figure 2. Site location (from Google Maps).

 Walwane, Maharashtra, India (18.945695° N,
Location
74.564866° E)

Occupancy Miscellaneous – Farm structure

Terrain Flat open land

B = 4 m × L = 14 m in plan
H = Eave height of 2.4 m
Dimensions Apex height at elev. 3.4 m
Roof slope 1:2 (26.565°)
No opening

Cladding Purlins spaced at 0.745m

 Wall studs spaced at 0.8m

Table 1. Building data needed for our wind calculation.

Using the IS 875-3: 2015, the design wind speed for the location and
the design wind pressure for the rectangular building with pitched roof
can be solved using the equations below:
Design wind speed at height z (in m/s): Vz = Vbk1k2k3k4 (1)
Where:
Vb is theBasic wind speed, m/s
k1 is the Probability factor (risk coefficient) based on 6.3.1 of IS 875-3
k2 is the Terrain roughness and height factor based on 6.3.2 of IS 875-3
k3 is the Topography factor based on 6.3.3 of IS 875-3
k4 is the Importance factor for the cyclonic region based on 6.3.4 of IS
875-3
Design wind pressure (in Pa): pd = KdKaKcpz (2)
Where:
Kd is the Wind directionality factor based on 7.2.1 of IS 875-3. Equal
to 1.0 when considering local pressure coefficients.
Ka is the Area averaging factor based on 7.2.2 of IS 875-3
Kc is the Combination factor based on 7.3.3.13 IS 875-3
pz is equal to 0.60Vz2 in Pa
Note that pd should not be taken less than 0.70pz
From the design pressure pd obtained, the pressure will be distributed
to the members of the by using:
Wind force on surface or members (in N): F = (Cpe – Cpi)Apd (3)
Where:
A is the surface area of the structural element or cladding unit
Cpe is the external pressure coefficients
Cpi is the internal pressure coefficients
We will dive deep into the details of each parameter below.
Basic Wind Speed Vb
From Figure 1 of IS 875-3, the site location is situation of the map
where the basic wind speed Vb is equal to 39 m/s.

Figure 3. Basic wind speed data based on Figure 1 of IS 875-3: 2015.

SkyCiv can automate the wind speed calculations just defining the site
location in India. Try our SkyCiv Free Wind Tool.
FREE WIND LOAD CALCULATOR
Probability Factor (Risk Coefficient) k1
Table 1 of IS 875-3 presents the risk coefficients for different classes of
structures in different wind speed zones. For this structure, since it is a
barnhouse and will be used to shelter some livestock animals, the
structure is classified under “Buildings and structures presenting a low
degree of hazard to life and property in the event of failure, such as
isolated towers in wooded areas, farm buildings other than residential
buildings.” Hence, from Table 1 of IS 875-3, the
corresponding probability factor (risk coefficient) k1 is equal to 0.92.

Figure 4. Risk coefficients table from IS 875-3:2015.

Terrain Roughness and Height Factor k2
For this structure, it is located at the center of a farm where there are
no immediate obstructions. Hence, the terrain can be classified
as Category 1. Using Table 2 of IS 875-3:2015, we can obtain k2 values
(which varies depending on the height being considered):

Height k2

Reference height, H = 2.4 m 1.05

Topography Factor k3
In order to account for topographic effects, we need to get the
elevation data of the location for the eight (8) cardinal directions – N, S,
W, E, NW, NE, SW, and SE – using Google elevation API. Based on the
data, we can generally assume that the terrain is “Flat” for all
directions. Hence, based on 6.3.3 of IS 875-3:2015, we can set
our k3 equal to 1.0.
Importance Factor k4
Since the site location is not located within the east coast of India and
the structure will only be used for agricultural purposes, the value
of k4 is equal to 1.0 based on 6.3.4 of IS 875-3:2015
Design Wind Speed Vz
From the factors above, we can already solve the design wind
speed Vz using Equation (1):

Level Vb m/s k1 k2 k3 k4 Vz m/s

H = 2.4
39.0 0.92 1.05 1.0 1.0 37.674
m

From the design wind speed, we can calculate the design wind
pressure pd.
Wind Directionality Factor Kd
From 7.2.1 of IS 875-3:2015, the Wind Directionality Factor Kd is equal
to 0.9 for frames and when considering local pressure coefficients, will
be equal to 1.0. For this example, we will use Kd equal to 1.0 for purlins
and wall studies and for Kd equal to 0.9 for the columns and trusses.
Area Averaging Factor Ka
The Area Averaging Factor Ka can be calculated using Table 4 of IS 875-
3:2015:
Ka = 1.0 for area less than or equal to 10 sq.m.
Ka = 0.9 for area equal to 25 sq.m.
Ka = 0.8 for area greater than or equal to 100 sq.m.
Note that Ka can be linearly interpolated between values. For this
structure, we need to get the tributary areas of columns for windward
(Zone A), leeward (Zone B), sidewalls (Zone C and D), and truss for the
roof. Moreover, we will also consider the tributary area of the wall
studs and purlins.

Component Area, sq.m. Ka

Column 2.4×3.5 m = 8.4 sq.m. 1.0

Truss 4×3.5 m (projection) = 14 sq.m. 0.97

Wall studs 0.8×3.5 m = 2.8 sq.m. 1.0

Purlins 0.745×3.5 m = 2.608 sq.m. 1.0

Combination factor Kc
Since we will considered the simultaneous action of wall and roof
pressures and internal pressures, the assumed Combination factor Kc is
equal to 0.9 as referenced in 7.3.3.13 of IS 875-3:2015.
Design Wind Pressure, pd
Using Equation (2), we can calculate the design wind pressure, pd, Note
that pz = 851.598 Pa and pd should not be less than 0.7pz or 596.119Pa.

Componen
Ka Kd Kc pz pd
t

1.
Column 1.0 0.9 851.598 766.438
0

1.
Truss 0.97 0.9 851.598 743.445
0

1.
Wall studs 1.0 0.9 851.598 766.438
0

1.
Purlins 1.0 0.9 851.598 766.438
0

From these data, we need to calculate the pressure coefficients in order

to distribute the design pressure to the components.
Internal Pressure Coefficients Cpi
The internal pressure coefficients Cpi can be determined from 7.3.2 of
IS 875-3:2015. For this structure, it is assumed the total opening on the
wall is less than 5 percent of the total wall area. Therefore,
the Cpi values for this example are +0.2 and -0.2.
External Pressure Coefficients Cpe
The External Pressure Coefficients Cpe depend on certain parameters
such as height, width, length, roof angle, and roof profile.
Wall External Pressure Coefficients
The external pressure coefficients for walls depend
on h/w and l/w ratio, where h is the eave height, w is the least
dimension of the building, and l is the larger dimension of the building.
For this example, h = H, l = L, and w = B. Therefore, h/w = 0.6 and l/w =
3.5. From Table 5 of IS 875-3:2015, the corresponding Cpe values are as
follows:
Figure 5. Wall zones for rectangular building based on IS 875-3:2015.
For wind angle = 0 degrees:

Zone/Surface Cpe
Zone A – Windward
+0.7
wall

Zone B – Leeward wall -0.3

Zone C – Sidewall -0.7

Zone D – Sidewall -0.7

Local zone
-1.1
(0.25w from edge)

For wind angle = 90 degrees:

Zone/Surface Cpe

Zone A – Windward
-0.5
wall

Zone B – Leeward wall -0.5

Zone C – Sidewall +0.7

Zone D – Sidewall -0.1

Local zone
-1.1
(0.25w from edge)

Note that w = 4 m.
Roof External Pressure Coefficients
For this structure, since the roof profile is gable or duopitch, the roof
external pressure coefficients will be calculated based on Table 6 of IS
875-3:2015. For this example since h/w = 0.6, and the roof angle
is 26.565°, the Cpe values will be interpolated using the following values:
Figure 6. Roof zones for pitched/gable roof based on IS 875-3:2015 –
plan view.
Note: y = 0.15w = 0.6m
For wind angle = 0 degrees:
 Zone EF –
Roof angle Zone GH – Leeward
Windward

20° -0.7 -0.5

26.565° -0.109 -0.5

30° -0.2 -0.5

For wind angle = 90 degrees:

Roof
Zone EG – Crosswind Zone FH – Crosswind
angle

20° -0.8 -0.6

26.565° -0.8 -0.6

30° -0.8 -0.6

For local pressures:

Roof angle Gable ends Ridge zones

20° -1.5 -1.0

26.565° -1.172 -1.0

30° -1.0 -1.0

The final roof pressure coefficients will be:

Zone/Surface Wind direction – 0 Wind direction – 90

 degrees degrees

Zone EF –
-0.109 –
Windward

Zone GH –
-0.5 –
Leeward

Zone EG –
– -0.8
Crosswind

Zone FH –
– -0.6
Crosswind

Gable ends -1.172 -1.172

Ridge zones -1.0 -1.0

Combined internal and external pressures

From the values above, the wind force can be calculated using Equation
(3). However, for simplicity, we will just be getting the design pressure
(not multiplying the values to the area A) and also will be considering
the wind direction angle 0 degrees for the main frame (column and
truss). The frame spacing is equal to 3.5m. Note that pd = 766.438
Pa for both column and wall studs.
For columns and wall studs – 0 degrees:

p= For wall
Cpe– For Column
Zone/Surface Cpe Cpi pd(Cpe- studs
Cpi px3.5m N/m
Cpi) Pa px0.8m N/m
Zone A –
+0.2 +0.5 383.219 1341.267 306.575
Windward 0.7
-0.2 +0.9 689.795 2414.281 551.836
wall

-
Zone B – - +0.2 -0.5 -1341.267 -306.575
383.219
Leeward wall 0.3 -0.2 -0.1 -268.253 -61.315
-76.644

-
Local zone
- +0.2 -1.3 996.370 -3487.295 -797.096
(1m from
1.1 -0.2 -0.9 - -2414.281 -551.836
edge)
689.795

The pressures on the columns will be multiplied to 3.5m in order to get

a uniform load. Moreover, for the wall studs, it will be multiplied with
0.8m. Note that a positive pressure means it is acting towards the
surface and negative is acting away from the surface (suction).
For truss and purlins – 0 degress:

p= Truss Purlins
Zone/ Cpe–
Cpe Cpi pd(Cpe- px3.5m N/ px0.745m N/
Surface Cpi
Cpi) Pa m m

+0. -
- -
Zone EF – 2 0.309 -804.036 -171.145
0.10 229.725
Windward - +0.09 236.787 50.402
9 67.654
0.2 1

Zone GH – -0.5 +0. -0.7 - -1821.441 -387.707

Leeward 2 -0.3 520.412 -780.617 -166.160
 - -
0.2 223.034

-
+0. -
- 1051.55
2 1.372 -3680.437
Gable ends 1.17 3 –
- - -2607.423
2 -
0.2 0.972
744.978

+0. -
2 -1.2 919.726 -3219.041
Ridge zones -1.0 –
- -0.8 - -2146.027
0.2 613.151

The pressures on the truss will be multiplied to 3.5m in order to get a

uniform load. Moreover, for the wall studs, it will be multiplied with
0.745m. Note that pd = 766.438 Pa for the purlins and pd = 743.445
Pa for the truss.
Considering one critical frame – spacing is 3.5m:
For pd(Cpe – +Cpi):
Figure 7. Distributed load on a critical frame using pd(Cpe – +Cpi)x3.5m.
For pd(Cpe – -Cpi):
Figure 8. Distributed load on a critical frame using pd(Cpe – -Cpi)x3.5m.
For the design of wall studs and purlins, you just need to get the
absolute maximum pressure acting on it and use it as the basis in
calculating the design forces. For this case, the design wind load are: -
797.096 N/m for wall stud and -783.407N/m for the purlins,
These calculations can be all be performed using SkyCiv’s
Load Generator Software for IS 875-3 and other codes as well. Users
can enter in a site location to get wind speeds and topography factors,
enter in building parameters and generate the wind pressures.
Try our SkyCiv Free Wind Tool for wind speed and wind pressure
calculations on gable structures

https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Wind-Load