Wind exerts pressure on a wall through a phenomenon called wind loading. As wind blows against a wall, it creates an area of high pressure on the windward side and an area of low pressure on the leeward side. This pressure difference creates a force that pushes against the wall.
The amount of wind pressure on a wall is affected by several factors including wind speed, shape and orientation of the building, and the roughness of the surrounding terrain. Tall and narrow buildings or those with large surface areas perpendicular to the wind direction will experience higher wind pressures.
Wind pressure on a wall is typically measured in pounds per square foot (psf) or kilopascals (kPa). This is done by using specialized instruments such as pressure gauges or anemometers to measure the force or velocity of the wind at a certain location on the wall.
Yes, wind pressure can cause damage to a wall if it exceeds the design limits of the structure. If the wind pressure is too high, it can cause the wall to collapse or create cracks and other structural damage. This is why it is important for buildings to be designed and constructed to withstand the expected wind pressures in their location.
There are several ways to reduce wind pressure on a wall, including using aerodynamic shapes for the building, installing wind deflectors or barriers, and using materials that are resistant to wind forces. Proper building design and construction techniques can also help to minimize the impact of wind pressure on a wall.