3.5 FAQs

1. Is it possible to determine the wind loads for the design of interior walls?

The Standard does not address the wind loads to be used in the design of interior walls or partitions

2. Do the doors and windows affects the wind pressure and suction?

Internal pressure changes occur because of the porosity of the building envelope. Porosity is caused by openings around doors and window frames, and by air infiltration through walls that are not absolutely airtight. A door or window left in the open position also contributes to porosity

3. What is the local suction? How does it affect the building?

Local suctions are most serious for wind at an angle (usually about 45 degrees) to the side of the building. Local pressure coefficients of -2.0 are not unusual, and in certain model studies values down to -5.0 have been measured over very small areas near corners projecting into the wind; this indicates the importance of proper fastening of roof coverings at such points.

3.6 Related References and Building Codes

  • Dowrick, D. J., "Earthquake Resistant Design", John Wiley Second Edition 1989.
  • Bailey A. "Wind Pressures on Buildings", Institution of Civil Engineers paper no:189
  • Cermak, J.E. and Peterka, J.A., "Wind Engineering; Applications to Civil Engineering", American Society of Civil Engineers Convention and Exposition, Preprint 3452, Chicago, October 1978.
  • Cook,N.J., "The Designer's Guide to Wind Loading of Building Structures Part 1", Building Research Establishment, Butterworths Publishers, First Edition, 1985.
  • Holmes, J.D., .Wind Loading of Structures., Spon Press, 2001.
  • Institute For Research In Construction Web Site, irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
  • AISC Web Site www.aisc.org
  • Eurocode 1, Eurocode 3, Commission of the European Communities
  • ASCE 7, American Society of Civil Engineering
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