In this video I wanted to introduce the main wind force resisting system, typically referred to as the MWFRS. This consists of the major structural elements that will help resist wind pressures under required design storm events.

ASCE 7 is a design manual that provides minimum loads for structural engineering. One section of this manual includes wind speeds based on geographical region. On the East End of Long Island you can see wind speeds range from 120 to 140 mph. This seems high for everyday life but given that homes can be around for 100 years we are required to design for major hurricane events. 

These wind speeds are then converted into wind pressures we must also factor in property specific factors such as open exposure,site topography, and elevation. Given that Long Island is relatively flat one of the biggest factors is the open exposure, especially when looking at an oceanfront property versus one that inland potentially surrounded by woods. 

Follow me for other videos that will highlight some of the ways we can resist these wind pressures within the structural system.