Wind loads on contemporary Australian housing

Abstract

Design pressures given in wind loading standards are based on wind tunnel studies conducted during the 1970s to 90s on rectangular hip and gable roofs. However, most contemporary houses have complex hip-roof geometries with a range of plan footprints. Wind tunnel model studies were carried out on representative one- and two-storey houses to determine cladding design and truss hold-down loads. These loads were compared to design loads determined from wind loading standards AS/NZS 1170.2 and AS 4055. AS 4055 gave conservative design loads in most situations, and AS/NZS 1170.2 underestimated the loads near the windward edges and ridge on the roof. AS/NZS 1170.2 does give satisfactory design loads for wall cladding and truss hold down.