ASCE 7-10 Wind Speeds Missing From Tables 1

[sekwahrovert]

As we all probably know by now, ASCE 7-10 includes basic wind speed maps for each risk category. So for a particular site, you would have one basic wind speed for a risk category IV structure, and a different (lower) basic wind speed for a risk category I structure. The basic wind speeds range from 100 mph (for the west coast and risk category I) to 200 mph (for the southern tip of Florida and risk category III or IV). Here's the problem: The range of basic wind speeds in the tables in Chapters 27 through 30 starts at 110 mph and goes up to 200 mph. If I choose to use an analysis procedure that relies on one of these tables, what should I do if my basic wind speed is 100 or 105 mph? This would be the case for most risk category I structures in the US.

Thanks in advance.

 

[JedClampett]

Then you're lucky enough to have to do all the work in the tables by hand. All the formulae are there, you just have to calculate it out.
As an alternative, you can be conservative and use the minimum table value of 110 mph. It will be slightly higher than you need.
Personally, I never liked those tables in ASCE 7-05. Too many exceptions and adjustments. I haven't had a chance to use the ones in ASCE 7-10 yet.

 

[sekwahrovert]

Thanks, JedClampett. Your answer is about what I was expecting, but not what I was hoping for. Does anyone have any other opinions? This probably won't get me an answer right away, but what if I contacted the people at ASCE who wrote the new code? Anyone know of a good way to do that? Is there a website where I can ask technical questions like I can for AISC and other code-writing organizations?

 

[JedClampett]

I'm sure they have a comment site, but they're probably already finishing up the next edition, so you might have to wait a while.
Check

http://www.asce.org/

As a side note, I would calculate wind loads manually at least once before I used the tables. I hate to depend too much on the work of others until I can reproduce it. But that's just me.