Wind Pressure Calculator for Mech Equip
Instructions:
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Review the references and results to make sure this methodology aligns with your project's requirements.
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Enter the equipment model number. This will be used for the results report.
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Select whether you are designing for rooftop equipment (y/n).
If Yes:-
Select whether the project is located in Florida (y/n). In Florida, rooftop units installed on stands have minimum clearance requirements below the equipment for maintenance.
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Enter the clearance below the equipment or the equipment curb height [ft].
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Enter the roof height [ft].
If No: -
Select whether you are designing for wall-mounted equipment or slab-mounted equipment at grade.
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Enter the equipment dimensions, Length, Depth, and Height [in]
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Select the Risk Category
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Enter the Ultimate Wind Velocity
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Enter the Exposure Category
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The lateral pressure and uplift pressure are shown in the table.
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Click on the Results tab at the top of the calculator for a pdf printout of the results.
Velocity pressure follows ASCE 7-16 26.10.2: qz = 0.00256 Kz Kzt Kd Ke V², with Kz from the Table 26.10-1 equation, Kd = 0.85 (Table 26.6-1), and Kzt = Ke = 1.0. Pressures are the rooftop-equipment force coefficients of 29.4.2 and 29.4.3, (GCr) = 1.9 lateral and 1.5 uplift, converted to allowable stress design by the 0.6 factor of 2.4.1.
The height used for Kz is the top of the equipment: roof height plus the clearance below it plus the equipment height. Risk category and mounting type are recorded on the result but do not change the pressures; the ultimate wind speed is entered directly rather than read from a map.
Results are not valid unless verified, signed and sealed by a registered engineer.
This Mechanical Equipment Wind Pressure Calculator calculates lateral and uplift pressures on mechanical equipment installed on rooftops, wall-mounted equipment, or slab-mounted equipment. Our calculator utilizes the ASCE 7-16 Wind Pressure Methodology and Equations. Our calculator takes into account various parameters such as building height, exposure category, equipment location, and wind speed. Whether you are an engineer, architect, or contractor, our Mechanical Equipment Wind Pressure Calculator can help you determine the wind loads on equipment.