Using the SkyCiv Load Generator in ASCE 7 Wind Load Calculations
To calculate the wind load pressures for a structure using SkyCiv Load Generator, the process is to define first the code reference. From there, the workflow is to define the parameters in Project Tab, Site Tab, and Building Tab, respectively. However, free users can only use the calculation for a gable roof, truss tower, or freestanding wall/solid signs for a maximum of 3 solves per day. With a Professional Account or by purchasing the standalone Load Generator module, you can use all the features of this calculation as long as you want. You can purchase the standalone module thru this link.
Note that ASCE 7-16 can be used for Imperial and Metric units while ASCE 7-10 is only limited to Imperial.
Site Data
Users can get the wind speed by location at anytime from the SkyCiv free wind speed map database. Using ASCE 7, you just need to define the Risk Category of the structure and put the address located in USA, regardless if it is ASCE 7-10 or ASCE 7-16.
SkyCiv has digitalized the map as per the paperback standard. This means, you can simply enter in the site location and the software will automatically pull the wind speeds based on this input. There is a limit to how many times the wind speed can be calculated on the free tool. The software will use our internal interpolator to calculate values between the contours, to ensure accurate wind speeds are used in your designs. The Site Elevation is relevant in calculating the Ground Elevation Factor, Ke, for ASCE 7-16.
Next step, is to define the Exposure Category of the location and the Wind Direction. The Wind Direction parameter is used in obtaining the upwind (left side) and downwind (right side) ground elevations to calculate for Topographic Factor, Kzt.
Structure Data
The structure data and the wind and snow parameters are separated into different accordions. In order to calculate design wind pressures, the wind load checkbox should be checked. You need to define first the Structure you are analyzing. Right now, the available structures for ASCE 7 are as follows:
- Building – supports the following roof profile:
- Gable, Hip, Monoslope (enclosed, partially enclosed, or partially open)
- Troughed, Pitched, Open Monoslope (open)
- Truss Tower
- Freestanding Walls/Solid Signs
- Solar Panels
Note that for free users, only Gable roof is available for Building. Once you have completed all the structure data inputs, you can visualize the structure by clicking the 3D Render at the right side.
Next step is to define the Wind Parameters depending on the structure selected based on ASCE 7. You can either select calculations for MWFRS or Components and Cladding.
Results
Once all the parameters are defined, clicking the Generate Loads button will give a result as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
Detailed Calculation
The detailed wind load calculations can be accessed only by Professional account users and those who purchased the standalone load generator module. All the parameters and assumptions used in the calculation are displayed on the report to make it transparent to the user. You can download a sample detailed calculation thru this link.
For additional resources, you can use these links for reference:
