Utilizing ASCE/SEI 7 to Estimate Wind Speeds for Forensic Investigations

Abstract

The American Society of Civil Engineers/Structural Engineering Institute (ASCE/SEI) 7 standard is utilized to determine design wind loading on buildings and other structures. However, it can also be utilized in a forensic capacity to approximate a wind speed that would cause specific conditions to occur, such as the overturning of a structure. This paper provides a brief overview of the ASCE/SEI 7 method for wind loading and discusses the use of various adjustment factors used to determine the wind on structures, including wind directionality factor, velocity pressure coefficient, topographic factor, and the ground elevation factor. A clear understanding of these factors — and how to apply them — is crucial to estimating a wind speed and resulting force to cause a particular event or condition to occur.