The most direct load on a building caused by wind is known as direct wind.

The most direct load on a building caused by wind is known as direct wind.

• A. Direct wind
• B. Lateral wind
• C. Uplift wind
• D. Shear wind

Answer: (A)

Direct wind is the pressure the wind exerts normal to the surface of the building, pushing straight into or away from the face. This perpendicular loading comes from the stagnation of air against the surface and is the most direct way wind transfers load to the building envelope. Lateral wind refers to horizontal forces along the walls, which are important but are not the primary direct surface pressure. Uplift is the vertical suction that can lift the roof, a different load path, and “shear wind” isn’t a standard term for a primary wind-load type. So the direct wind describes the surface-pressing load that acts directly on the exterior surfaces.

Direct wind is the pressure the wind exerts normal to the surface of the building, pushing straight into or away from the face. This perpendicular loading comes from the stagnation of air against the surface and is the most direct way wind transfers load to the building envelope. Lateral wind refers to horizontal forces along the walls, which are important but are not the primary direct surface pressure. Uplift is the vertical suction that can lift the roof, a different load path, and “shear wind” isn’t a standard term for a primary wind-load type. So the direct wind describes the surface-pressing load that acts directly on the exterior surfaces.