Wind pressures acting on low-rise buildings

Data gathered from a number of field and laboratory experiments concerned with wind pressures acting on low-rise buildings are reviewed, and selected experimental results are presented in this paper. Particular attention is paid to works related to cladding design. Only either full-scale studies or those done under conditions simulating the atmospheric boundary layer have been considered. Comparisons of the data from various sources are made for the characteristics of the mean and fluctuating wind pressures. The results indicate that the statistical properties of fluctuating pressures on the roof edges and corners can be predicted by a quasi-steady approach. Furthermore, the peak-factor approach is found to perform adequately in evaluating the design wind loads. The relation between the spatial and time averages is also discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.