Wind Load Calculator
Calculate wind force and pressure on structures based on wind speed, surface area, and orientation
Calculate Wind Load
Wind velocity at the structure location
Default: 1.225 kg/m³ (15°C at sea level)
Total surface area exposed to wind
Angle between surface and horizontal (90° = vertical wall)
Wind Load Results
Dynamic Pressure
Wind Load (Force)
Dynamic Pressure Formula: 0.5 × ρ × v²
Effective Area: 0.00 m² (Area × sin(90°))
Wind Load Formula: Dynamic Pressure × Effective Area
Wind Category: Light to Moderate
Wind Load Analysis
Example Calculation
100 ft² Vertical Wall
Wind Speed: 100 mph (44.7 m/s)
Air Density: 1.225 kg/m³
Surface Area: 100 ft² (9.29 m²)
Surface Angle: 90° (vertical)
Calculation Steps
1. Dynamic Pressure = 0.5 × 1.225 × 44.7²
2. Dynamic Pressure = 1,224 Pa (25.56 psf)
3. Effective Area = 9.29 × sin(90°) = 9.29 m²
4. Wind Load = 1,224 × 9.29 = 11,371 N (2,556 lbf)
Wind Speed Reference
Light Breeze
7-12 mph (3-5 m/s)
Strong Wind
39-54 mph (17-24 m/s)
Hurricane Cat 1
74-95 mph (33-42 m/s)
Hurricane Cat 3
111-129 mph (50-58 m/s)
Surface Angle Guide
Design Tips
Use conservative air density values for safety
Consider local building codes for wind loads
Account for wind gusts (typically 1.3-1.5× sustained)
Vertical surfaces experience maximum wind load
Understanding Wind Load Calculations
What is Wind Load?
Wind load is the force exerted by moving air on a structure. It depends on wind speed, air density, surface area, and the angle of the surface relative to the wind direction. Understanding wind loads is crucial for safe structural design.
Applications
- •Building and roof design
- •Sign and billboard engineering
- •Bridge and tower construction
- •Solar panel mounting systems
Calculation Formulas
Dynamic Pressure = 0.5 × ρ × v²
Effective Area = A × sin(θ)
Wind Load = Dynamic Pressure × Effective Area
- ρ: Air density (kg/m³)
- v: Wind speed (m/s)
- A: Surface area (m²)
- θ: Angle from horizontal (degrees)
Note: Real structures may require drag coefficients and safety factors per building codes.