Wind Load Calculator

About the Wind Load Calculator

The Wind Load Calculator computes wind pressure and design force on structures based on a simplified ASCE 7 approach. This tool is designed for structural engineers, architects, and students analyzing wind effects on buildings and other structures.

Wind Load: The force exerted by wind on a structure, critical for designing safe buildings in windy regions.

Use this calculator to determine the wind pressure and force a structure must resist under specified conditions.

• Features:
  • Calculates wind pressure (\( q_z \)) and design force (\( F \)).
  • Inputs include wind speed, exposure, directionality, topographic, and importance factors, plus projected area.
  • Keypad includes digits (0–9) and decimal point (.).
  • Displays step-by-step calculations in LaTeX format.
  • Clear and backspace functionality, with a "Copy" button for results.
  • Uses MathJax for professional rendering of mathematical expressions.
• Practical Applications: Useful in structural design, building code compliance, and civil engineering education.
• How to Use:
  • Enter wind speed (\( V \), in mph).
  • Enter exposure factor (\( K_z \), e.g., 0.85 for Exposure B).
  • Enter directionality factor (\( K_d \), e.g., 0.85).
  • Enter topographic factor (\( K_{zt} \), e.g., 1.0 for flat terrain).
  • Enter importance factor (\( I \), e.g., 1.0 for standard buildings).
  • Enter projected area (\( A_f \), in sq ft).
  • Use the keypad to input digits and decimal points.
  • Click "Calculate" to compute wind pressure and force.
  • Use "Clear" to reset or "⌫" to delete the last character.
  • Use "Copy" to copy the results and steps.
  • Share or embed the calculator using the action buttons.
• Helpful Tips:
  • All inputs must be positive numbers.
  • Typical values: \( K_z \) (0.7–1.2), \( K_d \) (0.85–1.0), \( K_{zt} \) (1.0–1.5), \( I \) (0.87–1.15).
  • Projected area is the area normal to wind direction (e.g., wall or roof area).
  • Results are based on simplified ASCE 7 equations with fixed gust factor (\( G = 0.85 \)) and force coefficient (\( C_f = 1.3 \)).
  • Consult ASCE 7 or local codes for detailed design.
• Examples:
  • Example 1: Standard Building:
    • Inputs: \( V = 90 \) mph, \( K_z = 0.85 \), \( K_d = 0.85 \), \( K_{zt} = 1.0 \), \( I = 1.0 \), \( A_f = 500 \) sq ft
    • Steps:
      • Wind pressure: \( q_z = 0.00256 \times 0.85 \times 0.85 \times 1.0 \times 90^2 \times 1.0 = 14.97 \) psf
      • Design force: \( F = 14.97 \times 0.85 \times 1.3 \times 500 = 8269.16 \) lb
    • Result: \( q_z = 14.97 \) psf, \( F = 8269.16 \) lb
  • Example 2: Exposed Structure:
    • Inputs: \( V = 120 \) mph, \( K_z = 1.0 \), \( K_d = 0.9 \), \( K_{zt} = 1.2 \), \( I = 1.15 \), \( A_f = 1000 \) sq ft
    • Steps: Similar calculations.
    • Result: Computed pressure and force.

Analyze wind loads with this interactive calculator. Share or embed it on your site!