Using the SkyCiv Load Generator in NBCC 2015 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.
Site Data
Using NBCC 2015, the first step is to define the Recurrence Interval to either 10 years or 50 years to obtain the appropriate hourly wind pressure, q, from the database. Then, select the Limit State whether you are considering the Service or Ultimate Limit State, and the Importance Category of the structure depending on its occupancy. These parameters are used in obtaining the Importance Factor, Iw. After these steps, you just need to put the address located in Canada and the module will search for the location from Table C-2 of Appendix C of NBCC 2015. The corresponding Hourly Wind Pressure and other location-specific data will be obtained from the database.
The next step is to define the Terrain 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, Ct, while the Terrain Category is used in calculating the Exposure Factor, Ce.
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 NBCC 2015 are as follows:
- Building – supports the following roof profile:
- Gable, Hip, Monoslope (enclosed, partially enclosed, or partially open)
- Troughed, Pitched, Open Monoslope (open)
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 on the right side.
Next step is to define the Wind Parameters depending on the structure selected based on NBCC 2015. 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 below:
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:
