Wind loads for buildings with multi-level roofs

[jike]

For larger interconnected buildings with multi-level flat roofs (for example 15, 30 and 45 feet roof heights), does ASCE 7-95 allow you to calculate wind loads for each building based upon its individual height or are we required to use one mean roof elevation for all buildings?

It seems logical to have a smaller wind load on the wall or uplift on the roof of the lower building even though it is adjacent and directly connected (not a link) to a higher building.

I commonly use mean roof elevation when dealing with gable and/or hip roofs.

 

[Ron]

jike....for multiple levels of interconnected buildings, I use the elevation of each roof, but add edge or corner conditions at the roof-to-walls to accommodate change in wind direction and velocity pressure.