The wind load provisions in ASCE 7 can seem overly complicated and confusing. One common criticism is that more than one method is permitted to compute the main wind force resisting system (MWFRS) loads for rigid low-rise buildings (≤ 60 feet high), and that this can produce different results. This article discusses the key research and the development of these different MWFRS wind load methods, and draws heavily from the archives of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) – a key player in sponsoring research that has led to the understanding and codification of wind loads on low-rise buildings. …
Author Archives : W. Lee Shoemaker, P.E., Ph.D., F. SEI
About the author ⁄ W. Lee Shoemaker, P.E., Ph.D., F. SEI
W. Lee Shoemaker, P.E., Ph.D., F. SEI, is the MBMA Director of Research and Engineering. He has been involved in the ASCE 7 Wind Load Subcommittee and ASCE 7 Main Committee for the past 20 years. Lee may be contacted at lshoemaker@thomasamc.com.