Skip to main content
Instantly create a new Wind Loads (Components and Cladding) calculation by clicking here:Create Wind Loads Calculator(This link automatically opens a new project and sheet in Calcs.com.)

​
Background

The Calcs.com Wind Load Calculator for Components and Cladding (C&C) provides a streamlined and accurate solution for calculating wind pressures in accordance with ASCE 7-22 Chapter 30. This calculator helps structural engineers quickly determine design wind pressures acting on specific building elements (such as purlins, girts, studs, and roof decking) and cladding, taking into account a wide range of building configurations, exposure conditions, and the new tornado load requirements introduced in ASCE 7-22. The calculator determines the required corner, edge, and field zones, wind pressure coefficients, and resulting design pressures, providing a comprehensive analysis for various design scenarios including Enclosed, Partially Enclosed, and Partially Open buildings.
Want to learn more? Check out our Wind Load Calculations to American Standards webinar to learn how to analyze wind load requirements for residential buildings based on the American Standards, including worked examples using our wind load calculators.

​
Project Defaults

You can select whether the calculator will use the project defaults, where you can set the building code used for your project, as well as wind, snow, seismic, and general criteria. In particular, if you provide the project address in the Project Details as well as the Risk Category and Exposure Category, the basic wind speed and ground elevation will be automatically determined and used in your wind calculator. If you select to Override Project Defaults, you must manually input the following:
  • Basic Wind Speed (V)
  • Exposure Category (B, C, or D)
  • Building Risk Category (I, II, III, or IV)
  • Tornado-Prone Region status
  • Tornado Speed (V_T) (if applicable)
Wind Loads Project Defaults Override

​
Key Properties

Under the key properties section, you can select the type of calculation. For this article, we focus on Components and Cladding.
  • Effective Roof/Wall Member Wind Area: You must input the effective wind area (AA) for the component being designed. This is typically the tributary area of the member (e.g., a single roof truss or wall stud). This area is used to determine the external pressure coefficients (GCpGC_p) which scale based on the effective area.
Wind Loads Key Properties

​
Building Properties

This input allows you to define the geometry and enclosure classification of the structure.
  • Roof Type: Supported roof types include Flat, Gable, Hip, and Monoslope.
    • Depending on the selection, you will define properties such as Roof Pitch, Roof Top Height (hth_t), and Eave Height (heh_e).
  • Dimensions: Define the Building Width (ww) and Length (ll).
  • Enclosure Type:
    • Enclosed: A structure with controlled openings (e.g., typical office buildings).
    • Partially Enclosed: A structure with large openings on one wall causing internal pressure buildup (e.g., a warehouse with a large open door during a storm).
    • Partially Open: A structure with significant openings on multiple walls.
Wind Loads Building Properties

​
Terrain Properties

The calculator can automatically determine the Ground Elevation Above Sea Level if a project address is provided, calculating the Ground Elevation Factor (KeK_e) per ASCE 7-22 Section 26.9. Alternatively, a custom elevation can be entered. Topographic Effects: If the site is located on a hill, ridge, or escarpment, you can toggle Hill or Escarpment Present? to “Yes”. You must then select the Hill Shape (2D Ridge, 2D Escarpment, or 3D Axisymmetrical Hill) and provide:
  • H: Height of feature relative to upwind terrain.
  • L_h: Distance upwind of crest to mid-height of feature.
  • x: Distance from crest to building site.
These inputs calculate the Topographic Factor (KztK_{zt}) per ASCE 7-22 Section 26.8. Wind Loads Terrain Properties

​
Tornado Load Parameters (ASCE 7-22 Chapter 32)

A significant addition to ASCE 7-22 is the requirement to check for Tornado Loads (Chapter 32). The calculator automatically performs the applicability check based on:
  1. Risk Category: Generally applies to Risk Category III and IV structures (and some others depending on parameters).
  2. Tornado-Prone Region: Whether the site is mapped in the tornado-prone region (Fig 32.1-1).
  3. Tornado Speed: Compares the effective Tornado Speed (VTV_T) against the Basic Wind Speed (VV).
If Tornado Loads Required calculates to “Yes”, the calculator will generate a specific Design Tornado Pressures table alongside standard wind pressures.
Want to learn more about tornado loads? Check out our Tornado Loads (ASCE 7-22) article for detailed information on tornado load calculations and requirements.
Wind Loads Tornado Load Parameters

​
Calculations and Results

Once all properties are defined, the calculator determines the following parameters per ASCE 7-22:
  • Velocity Pressure (): Based on wind speed, exposure, elevation (KeK_e), and topography (KztK_{zt}).
  • Internal Pressure Coefficient (): Based on enclosure type.
  • External Pressure Coefficients (): Based on the effective wind area and specific zones (Corner, Edge, Field).

​
Zones Diagram

A dynamic diagram visualizes the zones on the roof and walls, helping you identify where specific pressures apply. Wind Loads Zones Diagram

​
Wind Pressure Results

The summary section provides a table listing the Design Wind Pressures for each zone.
  • Zone: Identifies the specific area (e.g., Zone 1, 2, 3 for roofs; 4, 5 for walls).
  • Positive/Negative Pressure: The design pressure (pp) calculated as: p=qh[(GCp)−(GCpi)]p = q_h [ (GC_p) - (GC_{pi}) ]
  • Minimum Loads: ASCE 7-22 imposes a minimum wind pressure of 16 psf. The calculator automatically compares calculated values and defaults to 16 psf if the calculated pressure is lower.
Wind Loads Final Wind Pressures If Tornado Loads are applicable, a separate table Design Tornado Pressures will appear, displaying pressures (pTp_T) adjusted by the Tornado Directionality Factor (KdTK_{dT}) and Tornado Pressure Coefficient Adjustment Factors (KvTK_{vT}).