Calculating Wind Loads on Buildings Using the Envelope Procedure of ASCE 7-22 Code

COURSE OVERVIEW

This practical 2-PDH course provides structural engineers with a clear, step-by-step approach to calculating and applying wind loads on low-rise buildings using the Main Wind Force Resisting System Envelope Procedure of ASCE/SEI 7-22.

The course explains when the Envelope Procedure may be used, how it differs from the Directional Procedure, and how to determine the principal wind-design parameters required by the standard. Topics include risk category, basic wind speed, exposure category, topographic effects, ground-elevation effects, enclosure classification, internal pressure coefficients, external pressure coefficients, velocity pressure, design wind pressures, and required load cases.

A detailed worked example demonstrates the complete manual calculation of wind pressures for a low-rise commercial warehouse building. The course also shows how the same building is evaluated using Tekla Tedds software, allowing participants to compare manual code-based calculations with professional software output.

Special attention is given to the correct application of pressures to building surfaces, the treatment of positive and negative internal pressures, roof and wall zones, and the basic and torsional load cases required by ASCE/SEI 7-22.

By completing this course, participants will be better prepared to determine whether the Envelope Procedure is applicable, calculate wind design pressures, apply the required loading patterns, and review software-generated results using sound engineering judgment.

 Once you complete your course review, you need to take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of fifteen (15) questions to earn 2 PDH credits. The quiz will be based on the entire file.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the importance of wind-load evaluation in the structural design of buildings.
2. Identify selected changes to the wind-load provisions introduced in ASCE/SEI 7-22.
3. Distinguish between the Envelope Procedure and the Directional Procedure for Main Wind Force Resisting Systems.
4. Determine whether a building satisfies the applicability requirements of the Envelope Procedure.
5. Determine the appropriate risk category and basic wind speed for a project location.
6. Evaluate exposure category, topographic effects, and ground-elevation effects.
7. Classify a building as enclosed, partially enclosed, partially open, or open.
8. Determine the applicable internal and external pressure coefficients.
9. Calculate velocity pressure and design wind pressures for a low-rise building.
10. Apply the required basic and torsional wind-load cases to building surfaces.
11. Perform a step-by-step wind-load calculation for a low-rise commercial building.
12. Compare manually calculated wind pressures with results obtained using professional engineering software.

 Intended Audience

This course is intended for structural engineers, civil engineers, consulting engineers, forensic engineers, licensed professional engineers, building officials, plan reviewers, designers of low-rise buildings, advanced engineering students, and other professionals involved in the analysis, design, review, or assessment of buildings subjected to wind loading.