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.
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