Wind loads on buildings & environment

Windloads on buildings and environment

Buildings can be designed to withstand wind loads according to the standard - however, the standard does not take into account the specific design features of the building, nor the interaction with the existing or planned surrounding buildings, nor is it geared towards the economical use of resources.

We therefore determine the real wind effects on buildings, facades and photovoltaic systems and optimize their design. Beneficiaries of our services are project teams from construction planning (general contractors, building owners, specialist planners, architects, structural engineers, etc.) as well as manufacturers and installers of photovoltaic systems.

Depending on the requirements, theory- or measurement data-based calculations, expert opinions or model tests in one of our wind tunnels are suitable methods for the design.

The bending and torsional moments of large buildings caused by wind loads must be adequately absorbed by supporting structures and foundations. For our construction planning clients, we determine the wind-induced load fields, both static and oscillating.

In particular, the spatial and temporal correlation of the wind effect is taken into account, which allows the safety factors to be minimized compared to the standard design and thus enables material and cost savings.

There are localized peak suction effects on roofs and windproof façades. We support our construction planning clients in calculating these reliably. The data obtained can be used, for example, in the form of "load maps" as a basis for tenders and static verifications.

Building attachments such as balconies, sun blinds, protruding slats, signs or roof structures interact with the surrounding winds. We also calculate wind loads for such matters - the specific issue is decisive for the client's benefit.

Wind loads on PV systems are usually determined for manufacturers as part of type testing. In exceptional cases, however, we can also help with specific project issues, e.g. if higher parts of a building change the wind field on a roof with a PV installation or if unexplained wind damage has occurred.

The usability of areas outside buildings (e.g. restaurant seating areas, walkways or courtyards) is influenced by the architectural environment and the resulting air flows.
We help the planners of such areas (general contractors, building owners, architects) both to determine the wind comfort for the users and to design it, e.g. by adding planting or extensions.

We test the existing situation and the recommended measures, e.g. by means of sand erosion tests in one of our wind tunnels.