Wind Classification in your Area – simple guide

Wind Classification in your Area – simple guide is a more difficult question to answer than most would think.

Wind grade classification? What does it mean and how do I know what it is for my area? Well, there are many variables and it's not quite as simple as I live in Solartown so my classification is ??.

This article should help but ultimately, it’s your local council that will give you a definitive answer to the wind grade classification on your site.

A wind classification is subject to many factors. Any shielding caused by man-made objects and/or structures, the nature of the terrain, and the region that the structure is located can have significant impact on the answer.

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Shielding - Wind Classification in your Area – simple guide

The shielding of your building is a major factor in wind classification. A protected space in between homes will be quite different to a home on top of a hill in a paddock in the same area.

If it is in the middle of an open yard, standing alone, then the structure would need to be stronger one located in a dense suburban area.

Generally, if the structure is near the coast then it would probably need to be stronger than one in a more protected inland area. Neighbouring structures can also influence the wind updraft in some sites.

Terrain - Wind Classification in your Area – simple guide

Terrain is categorised in three categories;1, 2, and 3. The categories are important in identifying wind grade as wind is altered by the local terrain. Wind can be influenced and deflected by terrain and neighbourhood structures.

  • Category 1 is exposed terrain  
  • Category 2 is open terrain with scattered obstructions, ranging in height between 0.5m – 5m.
  • Category 3 is terrain with numerous closely spaced obstructions – higher density urban areas usually with heights ranging from 3m-10m.

Region - Wind Classification in your Area – simple guide

Australia is divided into classified regions. Regions are classified by maximum recorded wind speeds. Most of Australia is classified as region A; covering the south of the continent, the south generally including the southern coastal areas as well as the inland south. 90% of the country is classified in Region A.

Region B is coastal New South Wales and as far north as the Gold Coast.

The tropical cyclone areas mostly north of Rockhampton is REGION C. 

Region D is the severe tropical cyclone areas including parts of the Western coastline of Australia.

This should help you understand your wind grade classification – if you are living in Australia, you have about a 90% being in a category A area.

Further information can be found here. you can find more information here. 

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