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The Wind Load Calculator helps structural engineers determine wind pressures and loads on buildings according to ASCE 7 standards. Calculate design wind pressures based on wind speed, exposure category, and building geometry.
Wind loads are critical for structural design, especially for tall buildings, low-rise structures, and components like cladding and glazing. ASCE 7 provides comprehensive procedures for calculating wind loads based on building location, exposure, and geometry.
Enter wind speed, exposure category, and building height to calculate velocity pressure and design wind pressure. The calculator uses simplified ASCE 7 methods to provide quick estimates for preliminary design and verification of wind load calculations.
Features
Everything you need
- ASCE 7 wind pressure calculations
- Velocity pressure determination
- Exposure category support (B, C, D)
- Building height considerations
- Pressure coefficient applications
- Simplified ASCE 7 method
- Imperial and metric units
How it works
Simple workflow
- 1Enter design wind speed
- 2Select exposure category
- 3Input building height
- 4Review calculated velocity pressure
- 5See design wind pressure
Use cases
Built for real-world scenarios
Structural design
Calculate wind loads for structural frame design and lateral force resisting systems.
Component design
Determine wind pressures for cladding, glazing, and building envelope components.
Code compliance
Verify designs meet ASCE 7 wind load requirements for building code compliance.
Preliminary analysis
Get quick wind load estimates during early design before detailed calculations.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Velocity Pressure qz = 0.00256 × Kz × V² (ASCE 7), where Kz is exposure coefficient and V is wind speed. Design pressure = qz × Cp, where Cp is pressure coefficient (typically 0.8 for walls).
Exposure B: Urban/suburban with obstructions. Exposure C: Open terrain. Exposure D: Flat, unobstructed areas and coastal. Higher exposure categories result in higher wind pressures.
Use design wind speed from ASCE 7 maps based on location and risk category. Typical values: 90-150 mph for most of US, higher in hurricane-prone regions. Check local building codes.
Wind pressure increases with height due to exposure coefficient Kz. Taller buildings experience higher pressures at upper levels. ASCE 7 provides height-dependent coefficients.
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