Cladding and the Wind

Abstract

An appreciation of the forces exerted by the wind on the wall and roof cladding of buildings is necessary in order to obtain safe and yet economic design of cladding. A survey of wind damage that has occurred in the United Kingdom is used to reveal the nature and scale of the problem. Areas of buildings which are regularly damaged include the perimeter zones of low-pitch roofs, and the corners of walls of high-rise buildings. Wind pressures and suctions measured at numerous locations on the claddings of such buildings are used to quantify the problem, and it is concluded that the high local pressure coefficients used in wind loading codes of practice need revising to take account of the wind damage that continues to occur. It is also emphasized that account should be taken of the high forces that can develop on cladding during the construction of a building when a dominant opening temporarily remains on one face.