ASCE 7-10 Minimum Wind Load (MWFRS Envolpe Method).

[TekEngr]

As per ASCE 7-10 , 28.4.4 minimum wind load should not be less then 16 psf for walls , so what is this mean ? I am using MWFRS envolpe method and my structure is closed structure .One of my friend told me that if sum of my windward and leeward value comes less than 16 psf than i have to apply 16 psf pressure on wall in windward direction only as seprate wind load case . Is it correct ??? But till now i couldn't find any such statment in wind chapter of ASCE 7-10 code.

 

[r13]

I would read the intent is "walls must be capable of sustain a minimum wind load of 16 psf".

 

[TekEngr]

Thank you for your feedback.
But when i should apply minimum value? when windward and leeward sum is less then 16 or if any of the value (windward or leeward) less then 16 i should change that value with minimum load ?

 

[r13]

I would say it applies to windward wall.

 

[dauwerda]

It needs to be applied as it's own separate load case (unless it is obvious that it won't control). The commentary makes this pretty clear:

As can be seen in the image above, it gets applied to the roof as well as the walls, so it may not always be obvious whether it will control or not (as the rest of the roof loads are applied normal to the roof plane(s)) - so it may be easiest just to include it as one of your load cases.