New Zealand Minimum Design Loads

[TTUengr51]

I am currently providing some heavy timber truss designs for a US client, but the job will be located in New Zealand (near Auckland). I've found the New Zealand standards online (NZS 1170), but am reluctant to purchase since I'm basically trying to determine wind speed data only. That's a lot of money to see a wind speed map. I want to determine the equivalent wind speed and then calculate based upon ASCE 7. Does anyone have this data?

Thanks


Nick Deal, P.E.
Michael Brady Inc.

http://www.michaelbradyinc.com

 

[dig1]

Neal,

The wind speed data may or may not be appropriate with use in ASCE 7; you would need to confirm that first. I understand what you are saying about the cost, but you may need to send your calculations for a design review in NZ (I have had to do his for pressure vessels) and they will require you use the local codes; you should confirm this too. In any event, I would purchase the NZ standard and make sure you comply. I did a pressure vessel project in Australia and had to purchase the wind and seismic codes in addition to the structural code for load combinations. It is a cost of working on international projects.

NZ also has some fairly stringent seismic criteria and I you should purchase this and make sure you comply. I would not recommend using UBC 1997 tables or trying to make a ASCE 7 analysis work.

Patrick

 

[rowingengineer]

Neal,
I agree with what dig1 says, buy the codes, the AS1170 has different wind pressure coefficients for pitch roofs, which can not be ignored!!!

Arguing with an engineer is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while you realize that they like it

 

[apsix]

It may be prudent to get a NZ engineer on board.
Won't a NZ registered engineer be required to sign-off on the design?

 

[TTUengr51]

Thanks for your input guys.

This is for a residential project and I am working for the timber fabricator. The engineering is for his purposes only since there are a few elements he's not comfortable with. New Zealand authorities are not requiring the analysis.

Nick Deal, P.E.
Michael Brady Inc.

http://www.michaelbradyinc.com

 

[hokie66]

When the project goes forward for a building permit, the NZ authorities will require local certification.