Comparative assessment of ASCE 7-16 and KBC 2016 for determination of design wind loads for tall buildings

Wind load is typically considered as one of the governing design loads acting on a structure. Understanding its nature is essential in evaluation of its action on the structure. Many codes and standards are founded on state of the art knowledge and include step by step procedures to calculate wind loads for various types of structures. One of the most accepted means for calculating wind load is using Gust Load Factor or base bending Moment Gust Load Factor (MGLF), where codes are adjusted based on local data available. Although local data may differ, the general procedure is the same. In this paper, ASCE 7-16 (2017), which is used as the main reference in the U.S., and Korean Building Code (KBC 2016) are compared in evaluation of wind loads. The primary purpose of this paper is to provide insight on each code from a structural engineering perspective. Herein, discussion focuses on where the two codes are compatible and differ. In evaluating the action of wind loads on a building, knowledge of the dynamic properties of the structure is critical. For this study, the design of four figurative highrise buildings with dual systems was analyzed.