The 2010 edition of ASCE 7, "Minimum Design Loads for Buildings
and Other Structures," became available in May and replaces the
2005 standard. ASCE 7, issued by the American Society of Civil
Engineers (ASCE), provides information that allows designers to
determine various types of loads and load combinations on
buildings.
The wind load provisions in the new edition have changed
dramatically from those in the 2005 publication. In some instances,
loads on a given building are higher, and in other cases, they are
lower. The 2010 changes are the most significant since the dramatic
changes of the 1995 edition. The 2010 edition will be referenced in
the 2012 editions of the International Building Code and
International Residential Code.
Following is an overview of the additions and changes pertaining
to calculating wind loads on roof assemblies only. I do not address
changes that only pertain to primary structural elements such as
beams, columns, shear walls and diaphragms that provide support and
stability for overall buildings.
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