AKConsult

CIVIL & STURCTURAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANT

Analysis & Design using ETABS_Wind Loads

20130101

Analytical Method as per ASCE7-05

Design Wind Load Case:
o Choose Create All Cases, so that all design wind load cases are determined
and torsional moment effect are taken into account.
Eccentricity:
Exposure Height:
o Specify the top story as the upper-most level in the building.
o The bottom level would typically be the ground level.
o Include 1m minimum parapet height.
Other Parameters: As per design criteria and reference code.

Extracting Wind Loads from Wind Tunnel Test Results

These loads are generally calculated by wind tunnel testing laboratories based on the
dynamic properties of the structure as modeled during the preliminary or concept
design stages. Wind loads are reported as separate load cases that should be
combined through the set of load combinations as reflected in the wind tunnel
consultant report. Moreover since the wind consultants generally carry out their
calculations at the center of the diaphragm of each floor, it is recommended that
these points are taken in location as close to the center of mass of diaphragm as
possible.
Wind loads obtained from wind tunnel studies may be defined in ETABS as a User
Defined Lateral Load. A separate wind load case shall be defined representing the
load case as per wind tunnel report. The load values may directly be copied from a
spreadsheet. Various load combinations shall also be defined accordingly.