Wind and Structures
Volume 42, Number 2, 2026, pages 241-259
DOI: 10.12989/was.2026.42.2.241
Towards a reliable calibration of wind load partial factor for the Italian climate
Vincenzo Picozzi , John D. Sørensen , Alberto M. Avossa , Francesco Ricciardelli
Abstract
In the last years, the debate on calibration of partial factors for climatic actions has gained strength and
has shown conflicting results concerning the need for their updating. In the case of wind actions, it is argued that in
some cases current values are based on probabilistic models not matching the physical model adopted by the same
Code. On the other hand, calibration at the national level seems appropriate for at least three reasons: (a) the
peculiarities of the extreme wind climate of different climatic zones, (b) the different characteristics and quality of
data, and (c) the additional uncertainty arising from zoning. In this framework, this paper investigates the actual
reliability level of structures to wind actions and attempts to calibrate wind load partial factor with reference to the
Italian extreme wind climate.
Key Words
design wind map; load factor; structural reliability; uncertainty; wind action
Address
- Vincenzo Picozzi — Department of Engineering, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Aversa, Italy
- John D. Sørensen — Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Alberto M. Avossa — Department of Engineering, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Aversa, Italy
- Francesco Ricciardelli — Department of Engineering, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Aversa, Italy
PDF Viewer
Preview is limited to the first 3 pages. Sign in to access the full PDF.
Loading…
