Wind Load Calculation for Pipe Rack

To calculate wind load on Pipe racks, open structures, cable trays and pipes as per ASCE 7-10, use the following approach, accounting for the cylindrical shape and exposure to wind.

For wind load calculations in metric units as per ASCE 7-10, the primary difference lies in the units for wind speed and pressure. Here’s how to calculate wind load using metric conversions:

1. Determine Basic Wind Speed (V)

  • Obtain wind speed (V) in meters per second (m/s) from ASCE 7-10 maps, converting as needed.

2. Calculate Velocity Pressure (q)

  • The velocity pressure q(z) at a height z in kPa (kiloPascal) can be calculated as: q(z)=0.613×Kz×Kzt×Kd×V2

where:

  • 0.613 = conversion factor to metric (in kPa) for air density,
  • V = basic wind speed in m/s,
  • Kz = velocity pressure exposure coefficient (from ASCE 7-10 Table 27.3-1),
  • Kzt = topographic factor,
  • Kd = wind directionality factor.

3. Exposure Category

  • Define Exposure Category (B, C, or D) based on the surrounding terrain, as this influences Kz​ values.

4. Calculate Projected Area (A)

  • Use the projected area per unit length of the cable tray or pipe:

A=D×L

where:

  • D = outer diameter of the pipe or effective width of the cable tray (m or ft),
  • L = length of the pipe or cable tray (m or ft).

5. Calculate Wind Load (F)

  • The wind force per unit length on the pipe or cable tray can be calculated as: F=q(z)×Cd×A

where:

  • F = wind load per unit length (kN/m or lb/ft),
  • q(z) = velocity pressure at height zzz,
  • Cd​ = drag coefficient,
  • A = projected area per unit length.

6. Consider Combined Effects

  • For long runs of cable trays or pipes, consider gust factors and structural sway, especially if elevated.

Example Calculation

For a pipe of 0.5m diameter at 10m above ground, in an exposure category C with a basic wind speed of 40 m/s:

  1. q(z)=0.613×Kz×V2
  2. A=D×L (D = 0.5 m)
  3. F=q(z)×Cd×A

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