Mean Roof Height ASCE 7 wind

[dcarr82775]

A great simplification over my actual case, but to keep it simple: lets say you have a building that is 100-ft square. Grade at one side is such that the mean roof height is 40-ft, and on the opposite side the mean roof height is 70-ft. The grade slopes uniformly down from the high to the low side. What is your mean roof height? 55ft, 60-ft, other?

I realize you can easily just take 70-ft as the means roof height, but that isn't my point. I am curious what others feel legitimate. Thanks

 

[JedClampett]

When in doubt, pick the case that gives you the biggest result. Do you want to wait until plan review and find out that guy interprets it different?

 

[KootK]

70' for uphill wind ; 40' for downhill wind. I feel that wind speed is mostly about height about the ground on the windward side. This is similar to wind speedup over escarpments in ASCE7. And that may actually lead to some double dipping of wind speed up as your building likely is constructed with a hill.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.