Abstract

The paper reviews the wind loading of buildings from a code perspective. The Canadian wind load provisions for buildings, due primarily to the ingenuity of Alan G. Davenport, have gained an international reputation after recognition for their innovative and pioneering character by researchers and practitioners across the globe. In this regard, these provisions have been influential in the development and evolution of various national and international wind load standards, including the ASCE 7, the ISO wind load standard, the Eurocode, the China standard for wind loads on roof structures and others. The paper provides first an overview of ASCE 7 (USA), NBCC (Canada) and GB 50009 (China) to gain some insight into the extent to which the external pressures, internal pressures, exposure issues and topography - among others - are currently being addressed through these provisions. The current similarities and differences among wind load provisions for buildings are outlined and attempts are made to resolve some of the apparent discrepancies leading to possibly non-conservative results. Ultimately, innovative codification approaches and trends currently under discussion, development and consideration are also presented.