1609. WIND LOADS

1609 WIND LOADS Insert new Section 1609.1.1.2 to the Building Code to read as follows: 1609.1.1.2 Minimum Wind Loads. The wind loads used in the design of the main wind force resisting system ultimate load shall not be less than 30 psf (1.44 kN/m2) multiplied by the area of the building or structure projected on a vertical plane normal to the wind direction. In the calculation of design ultimate wind loads for components and cladding for buildings, the algebraic sum of the pressures acting on opposite faces shall be taken into account. The design ultimate wind pressure of components and cladding of buildings shall not be less than 30 psf (1.44 kN/m2) acting in either direction normal to the surface. The design ultimate wind pressure for open buildings and other structures shall not be less than 30 psf (1.44 kN/m2) multiplied by the area Af. Exception: The ultimate wind pressures on tanks, signs, chimneys, stacks, cooling towers, dish antennas, and similar exposed surfaces and their supporting frames shall not be less than 50 psf (2.39 kN/m2) of projected area. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 5690 (May 29, 2020 – Part 2). The District of Columbia Building Code (2017), referred to as the “Building Code,” consists of the 2015 edition of the International Building Code (International Building Code), published by the International Code Council (ICC), as amended by the Building Code Supplement of 2017 (12-A DCMR). The International Building Code is copyrighted by the ICC and therefore is not republished here. However, a copy of the text may be obtained at: https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/document/IBC2015. District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Building Code Supplement of 2017 12-A DCMR § 1609