Jonathan Ochshorn
© 2009 Jonathan Ochshorn.
Directions: Enter values for wind speed (mph); exposure category (B, C, or D); roof height (feet); importance factor (1.0 for normal buildings); plan dimensions, L and B (units in feet; see Fig. 1); Kd, the wind directionality factor (equal to 0.85 when multiple load types are being considered simultaneously, otherwise, 1.0); and Kt, the topography factor (equal to 1.0 for normal conditions, but may be higher for buildings on hills or escarpments). Press "update" button.
More detailed explanations and examples can be found in my text.
Disclaimer: This calculator is not intended to be used for the design of actual structures, but only for schematic (preliminary) understanding of structural design principals. For the design of an actual structure, a competent professional should be consulted.
First posted July 14, 2009 | Last updated Feb. 15, 2010