Chapter 7

The effect of the wind on buildings and facilities

1.7. The field

This chapter of the Code is specified in indicating the effect of the wind that should be considered when
designing buildings and facilities either as one unit or its components and parts individually.

1.1.7. Buildings and facilities should be designed to stand still against the effect of wind.

2.1.7. Designing a building should consider the effect of wind depending on the following:
1. The building as one unit.
2. Parts of the building as ceiling, walls, etc.
3. Windows, buildings front, etc.

3.1.7.When calculating the effect of wind loads on the walls, partitions and all the buildings parts
affected by pressure or withdrawal on both sides, the designed wind pressure on these parts is
considered the total of pressure or withdrawal on the first side and pressure or withdrawal on the
second side.
4.1.7. When calculating the effect of wind on the normal building and facilities, we use the method
mentioned in (3.7), for building and facilities with certain specialties like:
1. Buildings and facilities with unusual shape or design.
2. Buildings and facilities that might vibrate due to its hanging ceiling etc.

So the following is recommended:

1. Knowing the values of the maximum average of wind speed per hour from the nearest
metrological center to the building for all the available years of data with specifying the height of
calculation of wind speed and the nature of calculation area.
2. The main wind pressure is calculated using the available information in the previous period and
analyzing it using the statistical method of maximum values to get the wind speed and the main
wind pressure.
3. Using the previous lab experiments applied on similar buildings, or the experiments done on the
model of the building itself in the wend speed experimental lap under similar natural
circumstances as much as possible to identify the effect of wind pressure on the external and
internal ceiling of the building.

4. Using the dynamic method in the structural analysis to determine the effect of the wind on the
power and internal torque and change in shape.
5. The effect of the wind shouldnt be less than the one resulted from using the designed wind load
stated in the Code.
2.7. Definitions
1. Wind Loads
Is the power affected by the wind in a direction perpendicular on the buildings and facilities roofs,
considered positive if its in the same direction of the roof (pressure), considered negative if its away
from the roof (withdrawal).
2. Pressure or withdrawal of wind
Is the wind loads effect divided by the area unit and its calculated by (kN/m2)
3. Full wind force
Is the total force of wind on a building and calculated by kN.
4. External wind load factor
Is the factor that indicates the wind load distribution on the external roof of the building.
5. Internal wind load factor
Is the factor that indicates the distribution of the wind load on the internal roof of the building.
6. Exposure Factor
Is the factor that indicates the distribution of wind load affected by the height of the building.

3.7. External pressure or withdrawal resulted from the wind effect on the buildings roofs as one unit
or its parts is calculated as follow:
(7.1) Pe = Ce K q
Where:
Pe : External wind pressure that statistically affect the unit area of the external roof of the building
(kN/m2)
q : Original wind pressure (kN/m2) depending on the geographical location for the building and its value
is taken according to how its stated in ( 4.7)
k : Exposure factor and it varies with the height of the building from the surface of earth, and its value is
taken according to how its stated in (3.5.7)
Ce : External wind pressure affecting the roofs of the buildings and depending on the geometrical shape
of the building using the following equation:

(7.2) Pi = Ce k q

Pi = Internal wind pressure statistically affecting the unit of area of the internal roof of the building and
in the direction of the roof if Pi as in the following shape using the unit (kN/m2) : ( Diagram 7.1 )

Vertical Sector

Horizontal Sector
Diagram 7.1 shapes that clarifies the distribution of the internal wind pressure Ci in the case of
withdrawal and pressure.

k: Exposure factor and its value is constant with the full height of the building and its calculated
according to how its mentioned in (5.5.7)

Ci: The factor of wind pressure on the internal buildings roof and it depends on the presence of
openings in the fronts of the building.

q: Main wind pressure (kN/m2) and it depends on the geographical area of the building and its value is
considered according to how its mentioned in (4.7) of this chapter and its from the same q used in the
equation (1.7).

3.3.7. In some buildings and facilities that require calculation of wind pressure distribution over its
roofs specially those where the ratio of its height according to the rest of its dimension is high, its
preferred to calculate the total force of the wind over the building as a whole instead of calculating its
distribution over its area only, and the whole wind force is calculated using the following equation:

(7.3) F = Cf k q A

Where:

F: The total force of wind over the building (kN/m2)

K: The exposure factor and its calculated according to (3.5.7)
q: Main wind pressure (kN/m2)
Cf : Total force of wind factor
A : The area of the building front face of building facing the wind (m2)

4.7. Main wind force q

1.4.7. The wind force is calculated in this code using q (kN/m2) using the following equation:

(7.4) q = 0.5 x 10-3 V Ct Cs

Where:

V: The speed of the main wind (m/s) facing a storm of wind for a duration of 3 seconds at the height
of 10 meters away from the ground according table (1.7) with a probability of exceeding the
designed force not more that 2% in 50 years.

: Air density taken as 1.25 (Kgm/ m2)

Ct : The factor of the topography of the land and it depends on the surface of the lands topography
surrounding the building, table (2.7)

Cs : The factor of the origin and its calculated according to (a.7), and its the factor that consider the
effect of wind loads during the non-consequent occasion of the peak of winds pressure over the
building, where building is affected during the turbulence.

2.4.7. The value of V is taken from table (1.7) and this is according to the location of the building. And
for the locations not mentioned in the table the speed of the main wind is taken to its nearest
location in the table.

(Table 1.7) The speed of the main wind V

Location
Marsa Matrouh / El Dabaa / El Zaafrana
El Saloum / Ras Sedr / EL Ain El Sokhna
Aswan / Asyout / Hurghada / Abo Souair / Alexandira / and coast locations
Cairo / El Dakhla / Siwa / Luxor
EL Minia / Fayoum / Tanta / Tahrir / Directorate of Tahrir / Damnhour / El
Mansoura

Speed of the
main wind (m/s)
42
39
36
33
30

(Table 7.2) Topographic earth factors value (Ct)

Land surface surrounding the building
The land surrounding the building is flat, its inclination doesnt exceed 5%, and to an area
half its diameter is 1 Km as a minimum
The land surrounding the building is not generally flat:
Land inclination:
5% - 10%
10% - 15%
15% - 20%
More than 20%
Mountain, hills and similar surfaces
Mountains surfaces, top of shelves and the meeting points of inclining surfaces

Ct
Factor
1.0

1.20
1.40
1.60
1.80
1.00
1.80

5.7. Exposure factor k

1.5.7. Exposure factor is the factor that indicates the change in the wind pressure with the height and
its a factor that increases gradually with the increase of the height away for the land surface

2.5.7. The location that are used in calculation the exposure factor k are divided into 3 locations
according to the length and the roughness of the land (Z0) (Ground roughness length)
* Exposure location (a): it includes the open exposure locations and locations with few barriers.
* Exposure location (b): it includes the locations with suburban barriers such as villages, suburbs and
small cities.
* Exposure location (c): includes city center exposure locations with huge and similar barriers.

3.5.7. The exposure factor k is calculated from Table (3.7)

(Table 3.7) Exposure factor (k) Value

Exposure Area
Grounds length and
roughness (Z0)

(a)

(b)

(c)

0.05

0.3

1.00

Height z in meter
0 10 m
10 20 m

1.0
1.15

Exposure Factor k
1.00
1.00

1.00
1.00

20 30 m
30 50 m
50 80 m
80 120 m
120 160 m
160 240 m

1.40
1.60
1.85
2.1
2.30
2.50

1.00
1.05
1.30
1.50
1.70
1.85

1.00
1.00
1.00
1.15
1.35
1.55

4.5.7. When calculating the external wind pressure, the height z is used in calculating the factor k, and
its height from the ground required for calculating the external wind pressure.
5.5.7. When calculating the internal wind pressure at any place inside the building, the height z thats
used in calculating the factor k is as follow:
a. For the buildings with separated floors, the height requested for calculating the internal wind
pressure at, should be calculated from the surface of earth to the average ratio of each floor.
b. For other buildings the height requested for calculating internal wind pressure it should be calculated
from the land service till the average ratio for the openings of the external openings of the building.
(7-5) z =

Where:

 the height of the opening (J)

the area of the opening (J)

6.5.7. When calculating the full power of wind F , the height z thats used in calculating the factor k is
the place at the height required for calculating the full wind power at this place away from the land
surface.
6.7. Wind Pressure Distribution
1.6.7. General
1.1.6.7. The external wind pressure is the factor that indicates the distribution of pressure or
withdrawal of wind on the external surfaces of the building and its the factor thats used in
calculating the wind pressure on unit area according to (1-7)
2.1.6.7. The external wind pressure should be indicated during calculating the effect of wind on the
structure of the building as one unit or its parts, also during calculating the effect of wind on windows
and fronts, etc
3.1.6.7. The values of wind pressure factor depends on the geometrical structure of the building and
its dimensions.
4.1.6.7. The internal wind pressure factor is the factor that is used in indicating the wind pressure
distribution on the internal ceiling of the building and its the factor that should be indicated to
calculate its effect on the buildings internal and external walls, resurfacing and windows, but we
cant calculate the effect of wind on the building as a whole unit (Diagram 1.7).

2.6.7. Rectangular Buildings

The values from the (Diagram 2.7a) for the rectangular buildings and is taken from the Table 4.7.
and Diagram 2.7a.

Vertical Sector

Horizontal Sector
Diagram (2.7a) The factor of external wind pressure distribution of buildings with rectangular front

Diagram (2.7b) the factor of internal wind pressure distribution of buildings with rectangular front
Table (4.7) the factor of internal wind pressure of the buildings with rectangular fronts.

The places of openings*

1. Most of the openings front meeting the wind
2. Most of the openings are in the back
3. Most of the openings are in the fronts parallel to the wind direction
4. Openings distributed on the 4 views
5. Most of the openings are in the front meeting the wind direction and the back view

+ 0.7
- 0.5
- 0.7
0.3
- 0.2

*The openings include doors and windows

3.6.7. Buildings with rectangular fronts and inclining ceilings

The value of of the buildings ceilings with rectangular fronts and inclining ceilings from the
(Diagrams: 3.7, 4.7, 5.7) but for the value of inside the building its taken from the Table (4.7).

4.6.7. Ceiling of one floor buildings with several inclinations

The value of is taken from the (Diagram 6.7) but for value of from inside the building is taken from
the (Table 5.7).

Table (5.7) internal wind pressure for buildings with several inclinations

1.
2.
3.
4.

Places of Openings*
Most of the openings are facing the wind direction
Most of the openings are on the back side
Most of the openings are in the fronts parallel to the wind direction
Openings distributed on the 4 views

*Openings include windows and doors.

Vertical Sector
(a) External wind pressure factor distribution on walls and ceilings.

+ 0.8
0.3
0.3
0.3

(b) The value of External wind pressure factor on ceilings facing wind
Diagram (3.7) the distribution of external wind pressure factor on buildings both sides inclination

Vertical Sector
Diagram (4.7) the distribution of external wind pressure factor on buildings with upside inclination
ceilings

Vertical Sector
Diagram (5.7) the distribution of external wind pressure factor on buildings with downside inclination
ceilings

(a) Two sided inclined ceilings

(b) Upside inclination ceilings

(b) Downside inclination ceilings

** Diagram (6.7) the distribution of external wind pressure factor on buildings with several inclination
5.6.7. Walls and plates for commercials
In cases of walls and plates for commercials, etc.. the total wind force is calculated from the equation
(3.7) and the value of total wind force is taken from (Diagram 7.7) and this force is taken in
consideration during the designing the building.

(a) Total wind force factor on walls and plates for commercials based on the ground

(b) Total wind force factor on walls and plates for commercials based away from the ground
Diagram (7.7) Total wind force factor on walls and plates for commercials
6.6.7. Chimneys, minarets, Lighthouses, and circular buildings
The factor of total wind force is calculated for chimneys, minarets, lighthouses and circular buildings
from Table (6.7), and the value of external wind pressure factor is taken from the Table (7.7) and the
Diagram (8.7).

Table (6.7) total wind force effect on chimneys, minarets, lighthouses, circular buildings and similar
buildings

1
1.30

h/d
7
1.4

25
2.0

Square Shape ( wind in the same direction of tendon)

1.1

1.5

Hexagon or Octagon Shape

1.2

1.4

0.5
0.7
0.8

0.6
0.8
1.0

0.7
0.9
1.2

Horizontal View
Square Shape (wind is perpendicular on the side)

Circular shape:
. Smooth surface without protrusions (d/d = 0.0)
. Surface with percentage of protrusions (d/d = 0.02)
. Surface with protrusions (d/d = 0.08)

Where:
d' : depth of protrusion
d : dimension or diameter of the horizontal sector
h : height

Table (7.7) External wind pressure effect on chimneys, minarets, lighthouses, circular buildings and
similar buildings
h/d = 1
+ 1.0
+ 0.8
+ 0.1
- 0.7
- 1.2
- 1.6
- 1.7
- 1.2
- 0.7
- 0.5
- 0.4
- 0.4
- 0.4

External wind Pressure Factor

h/d = 7
+ 1.0
+ 0.8
+ 0.1
- 0.8
- 1.7
- 2.2
- 2.2
- 1.7
- 0.8
- 0.6
- 0.5
- 0.5
- 0.5

h/d = 25
+ 1.0
+ 0.8
+ 0.1
- 0.9
- 1.9
- 2.5
- 2.6
- 1.9
- 0.9
- 0.7
- 0.6
- 0.6
- 0.6

The values in Table (7.7) is used as follow:

1. Semi-smooth external surface such as normal concrete surface or regular buildings

0
15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
180

2. The value 6 <

Where
d : diameter in meter
q : main wind pressure kn/2

Internal wind Pressure factor:

a. Chimneys: chimney works with its full power = + 0.1

b. Closed Chimney = 0.8
c. Minarets = 0.3

Diagram (8.7) external wind pressure factor distribution on Chimneys, minarets, Lighthouses, and
circular buildings
7.6.7. Surfaces with nodes
External wind pressure factor on surfaces with nodes are calculated based on Table (8.7) or the
Diagram (a.9.7)

Table (8.7) External wind pressure factor on surfaces with nodes

State

Height away from

sea-level

Surface above the

building

0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6

(a) Front
quarter (
facing
wind)
- 0.9
( - 0.9 , Zero )
( - 0.3 , 0.15 )
0.40
0.675
0.95

Surface on the
floor

0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6

0.15
0.30
0.45
0.60
0.75
0.9

(b) Middle

(c) Back
quarter

- 0.8
- 0.9
- 1.0
- 1.1
- 1.2
- 1.3

- 0.5
- 0.5
- 0.5
- 0.5
- 0.5
- 0.5

- 0.8
- 0.9
- 1.0
- 1.10
- 1.20
- 1.30

- 0.5
- 0.5
- 0.5
- 0.5
- 0.5
- 0.5

8.6.7. Domes Surfaces

External wind pressure is calculated at the domes surfaces using Table (8.7) and the diagram (b.9.7)
as follow:
The upper half of the domes surface and the side quarters with the lower half of the dome symmetry
the wind pressure by half (b)
The front quarters facing the wind direction and also the back with the lower half of the dome
symmetry the front quarter (a) and the back quarter (c) consequently

(a) Surfaces with nodes

(b) Ceilings with domes

Diagram (9.7) distribution of external wind pressure on ceilings with nodes and domes.

9.6.7. Umbrellas surfaces

The value of the wind power on the umbrellas surfaces is taken from Table (9.7)
The full wind power in the direction of withdrawal or pressure perpendicular to the surface and the
center of its effect is clarified in the Diagram (10.7)

Table (9.7) total wind power on the umbrellas surfaces

Horizontal surface inclination (
Degrees )
zero 10
20
30

a/d

0.90
1.10
1.30

0.35
0.45
0.50

(a) Umbrella shaped ceilings with one side inclination

(b) Umbrella shaped ceilings with two sides inclination

Wind powers are taken either taken together or each individually in the direction most affecting the
building
Diagram (10.7) clarifies the effect center of total wind power on the umbrella shaped ceilings
10.6.7. Gamalon Towers
1.10.6.7. The whole wind power and its effect on towers are calculated from Table (10.7) by
considering the used area for calculating the whole wind power is the area of the constructed
buildings facing wind.

Table (10.7) wind power and its effect on towers

Shape of the
tower from a
Horizontal view
The shape/

Square
Corners or organs
with flat sides

Triangle
Circular

Corners or organs
with flat sides

Circular

Zero
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.00

4.00
3.50
3.00
2.60
2.30
2.05
1.90
1.85
1.85
1.90
2.00

2.40
2.20
1.85
1.65
1.5
1.45
1.45
1.50
1.60
1.80
2.00

3.60
3.20
2.70
2.35
2.05
1.90
1.80
1.80
1.80
1.90
2.00

2.00
1.80
1.60
1.45
1.35
1.35
1.40
1.45
1.60
1.80
2.00

* Where e is the ratio between the areas of constructing organs facing the tower to the total area facing
the tower.
2.10.6.7. If in a horizontal view the shape of the tower is triangular the designed wind power is taken
perpendicular to the area exposed to wind from the front view of the tower.
3.10.6.7. If in a horizontal view the shape of the tower is square, designed wind power is taken in two
cases:
a. perpendicular to the front of the building
b. in the diametrical direction multiplied by wind power in (0.75e + 1) where its value shouldnt
exceed 1.20
11.6.7. Gamalon Framing
Full wind power on frames is calculated from Table (11.7)
Table (11.7) wind power on frames
Circular
Shape / e

Organs with flat sides

Zero
0.10
0.20
0.30
0.40
0.50
0.70
1.00

2.00
1.90
1.80
1.70
1.70
1.60
1.60
2.00

1
<
6
1.20
1.20
1.20
1.20
1.50
1.50
1.50
2.00

1

6
0.80
0.80
0.90
1.10
1.10
1.10
1.40
2.00

Where:
e : the ratio of area of structural organs falling in the fame perpendicular to the wind direction to the
whole area

d : diameter in meter
q: wind pressure at the requested height kn/2

Annex (7.A)
Structural Factor
A1. Structural factor is the factor that takes in consideration the effect of wind during a non-consequent
wind pressure peak on the building with the effect of buildings vibration during turbulence.

A2. The value of structural factor is considered 1.00 in the following cases:
1. Building and facilities with height less than 60 meters
2. Net shape towers (Gamalon towers)
3. Buildings and facilities their heights are lowered four times with less after its horizontal fall.

A3. For cases not mentioned in (4.1.7) and in (A2) and in structural factor for general facilities shapes
illustrated in the diagram (a.7) its calculated according to the following equation:

(A-1) =

1+2 2 +2
1+7

Where:
g is the peak factor indicated the ratio between the maximum value for the variable part of the time
registry to the measurement of inclination and its value is indicated according to (a.4)
Turbulence intensity at height zr and its value is indicated according to (a.5)
2 Background factor that takes in consideration the lack of total engagement between building
surfaces and its value is indicated according to (6.a)
2 Resonance response factor takes in consideration the turbulence effect on the vibration during
resonance and its value is indicated according to (7.a)
4.a the peak factor g is calculated according to the following equation:
(A-2) = 2 In(T) +
2

(A.2a) = n1 2 +2

0.6
2 In(T)

Where:
T : time length with value 3600 Seconds
: Up-Crossing Frequency ( hertz)
In : Main natural logarithm ( e = 2.718 )
n1 : Natural frequency origin (hertz) and its calculated with dynamical origin analysis, and its value can
be estimated in the primary calculation of normal buildings using:

(A.2b) 1 =

30
h

h: Buildings height (meter)

5.a Turbulence intensity is calculated at the height using:

(A.3) =

In( )

Where:
0 : height and roughness of land (meter) taken from Table (3.7)
zr: height away from land surface ( meter ), diagram (a.7)
6.a Background factor 2 is calculated using:

(A.4) B2 =

1
+
]
()

1+0.9[

(A-4a) () = ( )

= 0.67 + 0.05 In(0 )

Where:
() Turbulence length scale (meter)

 Length scale reference its value is 300 meter

Height scale its value is 300 meter
b building width (meter)
h building height (meter)
7.a Resonance response factor 2 is calculated using:

(A.5) 2 = 4 SL (, n1 )
6.8f (zr,n1 )
1.67
L (zr,n1 )]

(A.5a) SL (, n1 ) = [1+10.2fL
n .

(A.5b) fL (, n1 ) = 1 ()

(A.5c) () = 0.67 .
Where:
SL (, n1 ) Non dimensional power spectral density function
fL (, n1 ) Spectrum variance
() the average wind speed per hour at height ()
Evanescence factor, can be indicated according to the type of origin; iron origin 0.01, combined origin
0.015, concrete origin 0.02
V main wind speed according to Table (1.7)
k exposure factor according to Table (3.7)
Aerodynamic admittance factor, indicated according to :
1

(A.5d) = 22 (1 2 )
And the value of L in the previous equation is taken like h or b consequently:

(A.5e =

4.6 (,1 )
)
()

(A.5f) =

4.6 (,1 )
()

for =
for =

Diagram (a.7) general shapes of buildings that includes certain cases in calculating the origin factor