U-shaped building 1

[nataliab]

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone of you analyzed U-shaped building? I am trying to apply wind loads to the structure and I have a lot of doubts, especially in case, when wind force is perpendicular to shorter direction.

1) Am I right assuming, that main dimensions of the building will be L and B (as shown in the picture below)? B/L ratio affects leeward pressure coefficients, maybe I should take different value.

2) What abut those unloaded surfaces? I think that wind will act on them also; is there any proper way to include it in analysis?
I would appriciate any advice.

 

[TXStructural]

You will have loads on the "unloaded surfaces", and the effect on the weight of the MWFRS will be minimal.
Apply the windward and leeward values you compute for the longer "B" walls. I don't see anything wrong with the way you have your B and L for the indicated wind.

All of this computation is an estimate, times an approximation, times a guess, so do not think it yields an accurate value. All is does is give us a code-required value for design purposes. It may be our best guess, but it is still a guess. The real life exposure will be much lower for the entire life of the building, right up until the moment when the full strength is needed, for the few structures that will ever see code-level winds. In hurricane regions, the predicted value is somewhat less conservative because the frequency of exposure is greater by a magnitude, and we have better data, therefore a better guess.

Also, the way minimum codes work, they are typically borderline unconservative, because they represent a minimum value to protect life safety. Designing for greater than minimum loads is completely acceptable, so long as you design in the interest of your client with their approval. Slightly conservative is ALWAYS better than slightly unconservative.

 

[nataliab]

Thanks for your answer

 

[JoshPlumSE]

"an estimate, times an approximation, times a guess"..... Well said! I will have to use that.