When assessing wind load per ASCE 7, which factors are considered?

• A. Only the building height.
• B. The surrounding color of the facade.
• C. Exposure, importance, and geometry; may include dynamic effects.
• D. Occupancy type.

Answer: (C)

Wind loads in ASCE 7 come from how the structure sits in the wind, how important it is to resist wind, and the shape and height of the building. The wind that reaches a building depends on exposure to air flow around the site (terrain and nearby obstructions), the building’s importance (how critical it is to remain operational during wind events, which changes the safety factors), and the geometry (plan form, height, slenderness, and surface distribution) that governs how pressures are distributed on surfaces. For tall or flexible structures, dynamic effects such as gust response and potential amplification of loads may be included to capture transient behavior. Occupancy type influences the importance factor but does not by itself determine the wind loads, and exterior color has no effect. So the correct idea is that wind loading accounts for exposure, importance, and geometry, with dynamic effects considered when relevant.