Wind load - is it a FORCE or PRESSURE?

AI Thread Summary
Wind load on buildings is primarily considered a pressure rather than a force, as it is defined by the impact of wind on surfaces like walls and roofs. The relationship between pressure and force is established through the equation P = F/A, indicating that pressure is the force distributed over an area. Wind, being a fluid flow, is better described by pressure measurements, which capture the dynamic effects of the wind rather than just the force exerted. While some definitions refer to wind load as a force, this can lead to confusion since wind itself is a phenomenon rather than a direct force acting on a surface. Understanding wind load as pressure allows for a more accurate assessment of its impact on structures.
joeykeys
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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!
 
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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.
 

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