huangyhg

asce 7 wind torsion loads
are there any examples of how to apply the torsion loads to complex floor plans of 2 and 3 story residences? would it be acceptable to break up complex plans into rectangular diaphragms and apply the torsion load to each diaphragm separately?
thanks
the asce wind calculations were set up to be used for what they define as regular buildings. so i doubt you will find published examples showing how to apply wind torsion on odd shaped buildings.
if the plan is very complex, then you should recommend the owner pay for a wind tunnel test to be done since this is what asce stipulates for irregular buildings. the reality is i think that a lot of engineers doing small buildings (small construction budgets) use conservative judgment estimates on complex plans by breaking them into "regular" looking pieces and then applying the asce wind the best they can. this saves the owner from paying for a wind tunnel test and makes sure the project stays in their office, but is not the right thing to do according to asce7.
since you are dealing with residences, i doubt a wind tunnel test is ever done since residences usually don't even have engineers on them to begin with. good luck
insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule.
-friedrich nietzsche
there are specific tosional requirements for buildings taller than 60 feet. less than 60 feet, the engineer needs to apply his own judgement.
it still may be an irregular building.
insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule.
-friedrich nietzsche
jike
with asce 7-02 you have to look at torsional loading for buildings of all heights, asce 7-98 required it on building greater than 60 ft in height. at least that how i read it.
a good book to get is the "design of buildings and bridges for wind" by simiu and miyata. it actually does a typical torsion problem and clarifies all the asce mistakes and conflicts in the new asce 2005 code. good luck.

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