New wind codes pertaining to high-rise buildings are expected to be implemented in 2013, reinforcing the concept that structures must be able to sustain winds as well as gusts to keep residents inside safe, reported Gulf News.
“We have been taking a conservative approach to the rules and once the revised wind code is implemented based on the findings of international researchers the requirements will be relaxed,” said Moawya Abdul Rahman, head of the structural engineering at Dubai Municipality.
The wind code that is now in use by the municipality states that structures should withstand a basic wind speed of 45 metres per second for a three-second gust, which is equivalent to 160km/h.
The code has been under review since 2009 and its current draft is based upon “basic wind speed (based on data gathered over a 20 year period) for design in conjunction with wind tunnel testing.”
Consultant RWDI, has recommended that high-rise structures should withstand a wind speed of 36.4 metres per second, and the municipality is expected to lower requirements to 38 metres per second.
