Structural Engineering · Engineering Glossary
Wind load is the force exerted on a building by wind pressure, acting as positive pressure on windward faces and negative (suction) pressure on leeward faces, roofs, and sidewalls. Wind loads must be resisted by the building's lateral force resisting system and the connections of the exterior cladding to the structure.
ASCE 7 Chapter 27 provides the main wind force resisting system (MWFRS) procedures for determining design wind pressures on buildings. The wind pressure depends on the site's basic wind speed (from regional maps in ASCE 7), the building's exposure category (terrain roughness), the height and geometry of the building, and the occupancy Risk Category. Wind loads include positive pressure on the windward wall, suction on the leeward wall and sidewalls, and uplift on flat or low-slope roofs. Components and cladding (C&C) wind pressures used for windows, wall panels, and roof coverings are often higher than MWFRS pressures. Apex Grid engineers lateral systems, roof attachments, and cladding connections for wind loads across all exposure zones.
Apex Grid Engineering maintains this glossary as a resource for architects, contractors, developers, and property owners who encounter unfamiliar engineering terminology on their projects.
View All Engineering TermsApex Grid's licensed PEs provide structural engineering services across multiple jurisdictions — with fast quote turnaround and permit-ready documents.
Request a Proposal