PROJECTED AREA FOR WIND LOAD ESTIMATION FOR ELECTRICAL SUPPORTS

[Erasa]

Hi Engineers,
I am to design a steel support 1.5m high to carry three electrical panels and a spread foundation as attached. I am looking at using the MWFRS (ASCE 7) procedure in estimating the lateral force. Any ideas on how to estimate the projected area?

 

[jayrod12]

Ask the electrical guys how large the panels are.

 

[Erasa]

Hi jayrod12
Panel "B" is 550 x 450 x 450 (W x D x H); all in mm
Panel "A"&"C" are 360 x 110 x 250 (W x D x H); all in mm

 

[Lomarandil]

Sounds like you have all of the information you need.

You know how large each piece is. Since you're describing them as panels, I presume they're solid objects.
You presumably know in what orientation they are mounted.
Visualize or draw said pieces in said orientation as viewed by oncoming wind. There's your projected area.

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The name is a long story -- just call me Lo.