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ASCE 7-16 Wind Load Calculation Example for L-shaped Building

An example of ASCE 7-16 wind load calculations (directional procedure) for an L-shaped
building (#an-example-of-asce-7-16-wind-load-calculations-directional-proce)
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:

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Figure 1. Site location (from Google Maps).

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Figure 2. L-shaped plant structure.

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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

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Dimensions 28m (12m width) x 24m (8m width) in plan
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Eave height of 5 m
Apex height at elev. 8 m
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
(https://skyciv.com/docs/tech-notes/loading/wind-loading-example-asce-7-10/). The formula in determining the design wind pressure are:

For enclosed and partially enclosed buildings:

(1)
p = qGCp − qi (GCpi )

For open buildings:

[Math Processing Error] (2)

Where:

G = gust effect factor

G
= external pressure coefficient
Cp Cp

(GCpi )= internal pressure coefficient

[Math Processing
(GC )
Error] = velocity pressure, in Pa, given by the formula:
pi

[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 qfor windward walls, evaluated at height, z
z
q z
qi q= qh qfor negative internal pressure, (−GCpi ) evaluation and [Math Processing Error] for positive internal pressure evaluation (+GCpi ) of
i h

partially enclosed buildings but can be taken as [Math Processing Error] for conservative value.
(−GC )pi (+ ) pi

[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
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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 (#basic-wind-speed-v)

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. V

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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 (https://skyciv.com/wind-load-
calculator/).

SkyCiv Wind Load Calculator (https://skyciv.com/wind-load-calculator/)

Exposure Category (#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] (#wind-directionality-factor-k-_-d)

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] (#topographic-factor-k-_-zt)

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Since the location of the structure is in a flat farmland, we can assume that the topographic factor, K zt K
, is 1.0. Otherwise, the factor can be solved
zt

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 (https://skyciv.com/structural-software/wind-design-
module/). For more information on calculation of topography factor, check this article (https://skyciv.com/docs/load-generator/wind/effects-of-
topography-on-wind-load/).

Ground Elevation Factor, Ke K(#ground-elevation-factor-k-_-e)

e

The ground elevation factor, K e K, is introduced in ASCE 7-16 to consider the variation in the air density based on ground elevation above mean sea
e

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, K e K
is equal to 0.987.
e

Velocity Pressure Coefficient, Kz K(#velocity-pressure-coefficient- -k-_-z)

z

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: K z = 2.01(4.6/z g )2/α (6)
2/α
Kz = 2.01(4.6/z g )

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

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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 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 (#velocity-pressure-q)

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

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

5 (eave height) 0.865 1.0 0.85 0.987 52 1202.87

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

Gust Effect Factor, [Math Processing Error] (#gust-effect-factor-g)

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 ) (#enclosure-

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classification-and-internal-pressure-coefficient-gc-_) () pi

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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:
(GC
pi
)

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

[Math Processing Error] = (1271.01)(-0.55) = -699.06 Pa
+pi = qi (+GCpi )

External Pressure Coefficient, [Math Processing Error] (#external-pressure-coefficient- -c-_-

p)
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 (#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.

Wall Pressure Coefficients,

Surface h, m [Math Processing Error], Pa
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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 p e

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.

Roof Pressure Coefficients,

Surface Location [Math Processing Error], Pa
[Math Processing Error]

Windward roof – 0.4 432.144

Leeward roof – -0.6 -648.216

Parallel to wind (along the -0.9 -972.324

0 to h from edge
ridge) -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:

[Math Processing [Math Processing

Elevation/Location, [Math Processing Error] – +[Math Error] – -[Math
Type Surface
m Error], Pa Processing Error], Processing Error],
Pa Pa

Walls HTML-CSS outputWindward

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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

-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

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Figure 4. Corresponding wall pressures for wind direction parallel to 24m length.

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Figure 5. Corresponding roof pressures for wind direction parallel to 24m length.

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Figure 6. Corresponding wall pressures for wind direction parallel to 24m length (opposite direction)

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Figure 7. Corresponding roof pressures for wind direction parallel to 24m length (opposite direction).

For Wind Direction parallel to 28m side (#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 C

, and External Pressure, pe p
p e

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

Wall Pressure Coefficients,

Surface h, m , Pa
p e pe
C p Cp

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 C

, and External Pressure, pe p
p e

For roof, the external pressure coefficients are calculated from Figure 27.3-1 of ASCE 7-16 where qh q= 1271.011 Pa. Note that for this wind direction,
h

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.

Roof Pressure Coefficients,

Surface Location , Pa
p e pe
C p Cp

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Windward roof – -0.2 -216.072
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0.3 324.108

Leeward roof – -0.6 -648.216

Parallel to wind (along the -0.9 -972.324

0 to h from edge
ridge) -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 pand [Math Processing Error], the corresponding design pressures can be obtained:
e

Elevation/Location, [Math Processing

Type Surface p pe – +p i p
, Pa –-
p pe p pi , Pa
m Error], Pa e i e i

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

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Figure 8. Corresponding wall pressures for wind direction parallel to 28m length.

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Figure 9. Corresponding roof pressure for wind direction parallel to 28m side.

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Figure 10. Corresponding wall pressures for wind direction parallel to 28m length (opposite direction).

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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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-aylsworth-garcia/)

References: (#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.

Updated on December 9, 2021

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