Methodology for Obtaining Aerodynamic Coefficients for Unified Wind Loading Provisions in ASCE 7

The objective of this study was to develop a method to update and consolidate the aerodynamic coefficients that are currently in the directional procedure and envelope procedure for the Main Wind Force Resisting Systems (MWFRS) in Chapters 27 and 28 of ASCE 7-22. A large data set of wind tunnel data, including 85 building models with different geometries, was employed. Design pressure coefficients, and the zones on the building surfaces in which they apply, were developed to represent realistic spatial distribution patterns of the wind-induced pressures associated with critical structural responses. The pressure coefficient models, provided in a combined peak coefficient (GCp) form, are applicable to buildings of all (allowable) heights and aspect ratios. Nondimensional geometric parameters are used to capture the variations due to building shape and size for the pressure coefficients. The proposed provisions are a significant improvement in matching the wind tunnel data compared with existing provisions.