ASCE 49-21

ASCE 49-21 PDF

ASCE/SEI 49-21 provides the minimum requirements for conducting and interpreting wind tunnel tests to determine wind loads on buildings and other structures.

This standard provides minimum requirements for wind tunnel tests to determine wind loads on, and responses of, buildings and other structures. Loads considered in this standard are wind loads for main wind-force-resisting systems (MWFRS) and for individual structural components and cladding (C&C) of buildings and other structures. Loads produced by tests meeting the specifications of this standard are suitable for use as design wind loads in applicable building codes and standards.

Provisions of this standard satisfy the requirements for wind tunnel testing of ASCE 7-16, Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures. Wind tunnel testing has the capability to perform measurements beyond those specifically addressed in this standard, including pedestrian wind evaluations, dispersion of airborne pollutants, fugitive particulates, and wind energy siting studies. Although these studies are not included in the scope of this document, they shall be permitted to be included within the test report addressing wind loads.

The flowchart in Figure 1-1 illustrates the organization of this standard; it is intended to assist the user in navigating the relevant chapters and to identify the scoping considerations therein.