Using the SkyCiv Load Generator in ASCE 7 Wind Load Calculation for Freestanding Wall/Solid Signs
To calculate wind load pressures for freestanding walls or solid signs, the process is to select ASCE 7-10 or ASCE 7-16 as the reference code in SkyCiv Load Generator. The workflow from there is to define the parameters from the left to the right tab: Project Tab, Site Tab, and Building Tab, respectively. For freestanding walls or solid signs, free users can generate wind loads up to 3 times per day. Users would need to sign up for a Professional Account or purchase the standalone Load Generator module. to use all the features of the SkyCiv Load Generator. 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
The SkyCiv Load Generator automates the process of determining the design wind speed for your location. You just need to define the Risk Category and enter the site address and the software will automatically calculate the design wind speed. Moreover, the Site Elevation is used 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.
Figure 2. Topo Data
Structure Data
The structure data and the wind and snow parameters are separated into different accordions. In order to calculate the design wind force for the freestanding wall, the wind load checkbox should be checked. You need to select Freestanding Wall/Solid Signs on the Structure dropdown.
Note that when ground to top of wall/sign, h, is greater than wall/sign vertical dimension, s, the structure is considered a solid sign. Otherwise, it will be considered a freestanding wall in the calculation. Also, the ratio of solid area to gross area, ε, should be between 0 to 1.0. You can check the 3D render of the model based on the input parameters when you click the 3D Render tab.
On the Calculate Wind Load accordion, you just need to select the structure type which should be Freestanding Wall/Solid Signs.
Results
Once all the parameters are defined, clicking the Generate Loads button will give a result as shown in Figures 4 to 6.
Detailed Calculation
For the detailed calculation report, only Professional account users and those who purchased the standalone load generator module can access this feature. On the report, you can check the assumptions and parameters used in the calculation process so it would be easier to countercheck the results. Moreover, with this feature, you can have confidence in your calculations. You can download a sample detailed calculation thru this link.
