A Comparative Study of International Wind Load Standards for Pipe Rack Modules

The latest ASCE report “Wind Loads on Petrochemical and Other Industrial Structures” acknowledges some international documents and resources that guide the practicing engineer who is involved in reviewing designs or analyzing wind loads on structures at international Petrochemical facilities. Despite the consensus and increased uniformity in wind load determination within the profession, engineers are frequently confronted with situations where multiple country standards are required to be used for the same project. This presents significant challenges to designers, caution is required when applying and interpreting multiple codes and standards. This paper describes a comparison of design wind load calculations for pipe rack structures based on seven major international codes and standards: ASCE 7-2010 (American), AS/NZS 1170.2 2011 (Australian and New Zealand), EN Eurocode 1 2010 (European), GB 50009 2012 (Chinese), IS 875 2008 (Indian), NBC 2010 (Canadian), and SP 20.13330 2011 (Russian). A parametric study of a pipe rack module located in non-hurricane area supporting piping, electrical cables and equipment is presented. This simple case study highlights comparative approaches and data among the selected standards. Recommendations based on the study findings and the application of standards in wind loads on pipe rack modules are provided.