huangyhg

wind velocity of mountain regions
i'm currently debating the required design wind load for mountain regions, which seams to be an "interpretation" judgement call. i was hoping to get a few opinions to help me make the best decision.
the housing development is located in a valley between peaks, where the elev. ranges from 3900 to 4200. the nearby shortoff mountain peaks at 4900 and whiteside mountain peaks at 4500. according to table 1609.3.2 of chapter 16 in the 2002 international building code i think i would design for 120mph wind zone. however the footnotes reads "effect of the 120mph wind is to extend downward from crest for 100 feet or to the controlling elevation for a 110 mph wind, whichever is the lesser. this same not is repeated for every stage down to 90 mph given that it is a certain distance from the peak. the example given on the same page in the code leads one to believe that if the development lies below over 220 feet from the crest of the mountain then the design wind speed could be decreased to 90mph (100 + 70 + 50)
if the development is greater than 300 feet from the crest of the named mountain, should i design for 110mph or should i design for 90mph.
i would consult with the local building official as well. they may have more accurate wind speed requirement.
regards,
lutfi

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