MecaWind Software

MecaWind is a wind load calculator software used to calculate wind loads and/or wind pressures on the main wind force resisting system (MWFRS) of buildings and many other structures (Chimneys, Tanks, Towers, Open Signs, Closed Signs, Solar Panels, Rooftop Equipment, Canopy, Bins, Tanks, Silos and Free Standing Walls).  It is based upon the ASCE 7 standard used throughout the United States for design loads, which is published by the American Society of Civil Engineers.  The MecaWind wind load calculator software contains multiple versions of the ASCE 7 standard as well as the Florida Building Code (FBC).  For instance, it includes, ASCE 7-05, ASCE 7-10 and ASCE 7-16, each being a different release of the same standard.  The latest version is ASCE 7-16, and many of the changes found from the ASCE 7-10 version to ASCE 7-16 can be found in this article.  ASCE 7-05 is also included in MecaWind, but this older version of the standard is used less frequently in jurisdictions. However, having it included allows users to evaluate existing structures to the older version of the ASCE 7 standard. MecaWind software is very cost effective, easy to use, and has a minimal learning curve.  The software allows you to perform wind design with ease and is essentially a wind pressure calculator. 

MecaWind calculates wind loads per the ASCE 7 standard, and in that standard there are two basic classifications of structures:

• Buildings
• Other Structures

Performs Gust calculations for Rigid and flexible structures, with the gust factor for flexible structures based upon the natural frequency and damping of the structure. Also calculates the topographic factors and provides a comprehensive list of all shape factors for the structure and attachments.

MecaWind will handle low rise and high rise

Different wind directions can be changed easily by re-entering the width and depth of the structure relative to the wind. All force coefficients are calculated for windward walls, leeward walls, side walls, roof's perpendicular to ridge, roof's parallel to ridge, and roof overhangs. MecaWind also calculates the force coefficients and wind pressures for Components and Cladding, simply by entering the width, span, and zone for the component.

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