Wind Load Analysis of a Steel
Warehouse using Manual and
Computational Methods
Software Used: ETABS
Code References: IS 875 Part 3: 2015, IS 800: 2007 (LSM)
1. Introduction
This project aims to analyze the effect of wind loads on a steel warehouse structure using
both manual calculations and computational modeling with ETABS. Warehouses are large-
span structures with significant exposure to wind forces, making accurate wind load
estimation crucial for safe design.
2. Structure Details
Type: Industrial Steel Warehouse
Location: Chennai (Basic Wind Speed = 50 m/s)
Structural System: Steel portal frames with purlins
Plan Dimensions: 30 m (Length) × 20 m (Width)
Height:
Eave height: 6 m
Ridge height: 8 m (approx. 18° slope)
Number of Bays:
Longitudinal (30 m): 5 bays @ 6 m
Transverse (20 m): 4 bays @ 5 m
Frame Type: Steel portal frames, no bracing
Roof Type: Pitched gable roof
Purlins:
Spaced every 1.5 m along slope
ISMC 100 or equivalent light section
Modeled as secondary members (optional: pinned at ends)
3. Wind Load – Manual Calculation (IS 875 Part 3: 2015)
3.1 Input Parameters:
Basic Wind Speed (Vb): 50 m/s
Risk Coefficient (k1): 1.0 (General building)
Terrain Category: 2 (Open terrain with few obstructions)
Topography Factor (k3): 1.0 (Flat terrain)
Height (z): 6 m (eave height)
3.2 Design Wind Speed (Vz):
Vz = Vb x k1 x k2 x k3 = 50 x 1.0 x 0.98 x 1.0 = 49 m/s
3.3 Design Wind Pressure (Pz):
Pz = 0.6 x Vz^2 = 0.6 x 49^2 = 1440.6 N/m²
3.4 Pressure Coefficients:
Windward wall: Cpe = +0.8
Leeward wall: Cpe = -0.5
Sidewalls: Cpe = -0.7
Roof: Cpe (windward) = -0.9, Cpe (leeward) = -0.5
Internal pressure: Cpi = ±0.2
3.5 Net Wind Pressure on Surfaces:
Example (Windward Wall): Net Pressure = (0.8 - (+0.2)) x 1440.6 = 864.36 N/m² (towards
inside)
4. Computational Analysis using ETABS
4.1 Modeling:
Frame modeled with ISMB sections (e.g., ISMB 300 for columns, rafters)
Purlins modeled as secondary members
Assign diaphragm for roof
4.2 Load Definition:
Wind Load defined using user input (IS 875 equivalent)
Wind Exposure: From base to top
Wind applied in X and Z directions
4.3 Load Combinations:
1.5(DL + LL)
1.5(DL + WL)
1.2(DL + LL + WL)
0.9DL + 1.5WL
4.4 Results:
ETABS shows wind forces at nodes and on frames
Maximum base shear due to wind: ~XX kN (from ETABS)
Maximum uplift on roof: ~YY kN (from ETABS)
5. Comparison Table
Parameter Manual Calculation ETABS Output
Wind Speed (Vz) 49 m/s 49 m/s (input)
Wind Pressure (Pz) 1440.6 N/m² Auto-calculated
Max Base Shear -- XX kN
Roof Uplift Calculated YY kN
Internal Forces Estimated manually Frame results
6. Conclusion
The project successfully demonstrated the application of both manual and computational
methods for wind load analysis on a steel warehouse. ETABS provided a fast and
comprehensive analysis, while manual calculations validated the accuracy of the applied
loads. This approach ensures reliability and safety in structural design.
7. References
1. IS 875 (Part 3): 2015 - Wind Loads on Buildings and Structures
2. IS 800: 2007 - General Construction in Steel (Limit State Method)
3. ETABS 20 User Manual
