RP-1692 -- Effects of Shielding on the Wind Loads on Roof-Mounted Equipment

Wind loads on roof-mounted equipment (RME) and architectural screens have been measured. Wind loads on RME are reduced by the presence of architectural screens when the equipment height is smaller than the screen height. When RME is fully surrounded by architectural screens, the wind loads are 45–60 percent of those provided by the ASCE 7-10 standard, depending on the location on the roof. Wind loads for all architectural screens in each location and configuration are less than the lateral design coefficients provided by ASCE 7-10 (2010) for RME wind loads. The results from the present study will support designers and engineers in designing efficient systems to resist design wind loads. Additionally, the results can be used to update and improve design standards for RME and architectural screens.