our home > system > structural systems > structural design > wind loads

Wind loads were determined using procedures in the 2000 International Building Code assuming the structure will be located in Washington, DC. The design was based on 90 miles per hour for the 3-second gust wind speed. Exposure category C was used for wind pressure determinations. The structure is assumed to fall under Use Category I as outlined in the International Building Code. For wind pressure determinations, this leads to an importance factor = 1.0. Wind pressures were determined for each surface of the house and for resistance to wind in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Wind pressures were also determined for both Main Wind Force Resisting Systems and Components and Cladding. Since the house will eventually be relocated to Auburn, AL, additional wind pressure checks were conducted using the 1999 Edition of the Standard Building Code. Using these alternate procedures resulted in essentially the same design wind pressures on the structure.