Wind Load Calculator
Calculate wind pressures and forces on buildings based on height, terrain, and exposure. Determine design wind speeds and overturning moments.
Enter building parameters to calculate wind loads
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This calculator provides PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES ONLY and is intended for planning and budgeting purposes. Results should NOT be used for final structural design or construction without verification by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
By using this tool, you acknowledge that:
1. All calculations are indicative and may not account for site-specific conditions, load combinations, or local code requirements.
About This Calculator
This wind load calculator determines design wind pressures and forces on buildings per international standards. Essential for UAE and Gulf high-rise design where wind loads govern lateral system design. Calculate base shear, overturning moments, and story forces for buildings in various terrain categories and exposure conditions typical of Gulf coastal and desert environments.
When to Use This Calculator
- Designing lateral force resisting systems for high-rise buildings
- Calculating cladding pressures for facade engineering
- Determining wind uplift on roofs and canopies
- Checking stability of temporary structures during construction
- Estimating wind loads for crane operations
How to Use This Calculator
Enter building dimensions
Input height, width, and depth of the building
Select terrain category
Choose open terrain, suburban, urban, or dense urban exposure
Specify wind speed
Enter basic wind speed or select from UAE/Gulf regional values
Define building parameters
Input importance factor and enclosure classification
Review wind loads
Get pressures, story forces, base shear, and overturning moment
Typical Scenarios in UAE & Gulf Projects
Calculating wind loads for a 150m residential tower near the coast. Exposure Category D (open water) with 3-second gust speed of 45 m/s. Calculator determines base shear of 12,500 kN and overturning moment of 850,000 kN·m requiring dual core-outrigger system.
Low-rise commercial buildings in desert terrain. Exposure Category C with basic wind speed 38 m/s. Wind pressures of 1.2 kPa on windward walls govern cladding design. Uplift calculation shows 2.4 kPa on roof corners requiring enhanced fastening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take Your Calculations Further
This calculator reflects the logic built into Arkan's construction management platform.
Last Updated: January 2026
Standards Reference: ASCE 7-22, Eurocode 1 EN 1991-1-4, BS 6399-2, Dubai Municipality Guidelines