Wind load - is it a FORCE or PRESSURE?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Wind load on buildings is fundamentally considered a pressure rather than a force. This distinction arises from the definition of wind as a flow of gas, which is characterized by pressure rather than direct force. The equation P = F/A illustrates that pressure is the force per unit area exerted by the wind on surfaces such as walls and roofs. Understanding this concept is crucial for accurate structural engineering and design.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of fluid dynamics
  • Knowledge of pressure and force concepts
  • Familiarity with structural engineering principles
  • Understanding of the equation P = F/A
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of fluid dynamics in relation to wind loads
  • Study the impact of pressure on building materials and design
  • Explore the calculation of wind loads using ASCE 7 standards
  • Learn about the differences between static and dynamic pressure in wind engineering
USEFUL FOR

Structural engineers, architects, and students in civil engineering who are involved in the design and analysis of buildings subjected to wind loads.

joeykeys
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Explain if wind on walls and roofs of buildings is considered a pressure or a force?


Homework Equations



P = F/A


The Attempt at a Solution



Wind load should be measured in terms of pressure?..but I don't know the exact reason why it is. Does it have something to do with "non-contact" force?..


Thanks for your time for the explanation!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Why do we have to consider wind as pressure or force, when it is defined as the flow of the gas, which means it is a phenomenon?
 
Do you mean that measure of the flow of gas/liquid must be in term of "pressure" but not "force"?
 
No (I don't know why the word "pressure" was underlined).
You may describe the state of the flow at a point with many quantities, such as velocity of the element of the gas at that point, pressure of the gas, etc. Flow means motion, and so, it cannot be measured; it can only be described.
 
How would you comment on the "wind load" on buildings then?
Is it a pressure but not a force?
 
I've just googled a little bit and found that people defined "wind load" as force, which means there should be something getting hit by the wind. But when you mention wind, it's neither force nor pressure.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
5K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K