A semi-analytical formula for estimating peak wind load effects based on Hermite polynomial model

The estimation of peak wind effects is an important issue in the structural and cladding design. The wind load effects such as wind pressures show the non-Gaussianity. In estimating the peak value of non-Gaussian wind load effects, a series of methods such as the global maxima method, the block maxima method and the translation process method have been developed. Among them, moment-based Hermite polynomial model (HPM) is becoming a popular approach due to its straightforwardness and accuracy. However, it is desired to improve this approach in terms of the easier use and better accuracy. In current study, the hybrid of analytical and empirical (or semi-analytical) formula based on HPM has been developed to estimate the mean of peak wind pressures and peak wind pressures at various percentiles. In this formula, HPM coefficients are determined by Winterstein's analytical formula and related modification coefficients in the semi-analytical formula are fitted and validated based on long wind tunnel data of four building models. Results show that the proposed formula performs well under different sampling frequencies and wind tunnel data. Due to the easier use and better accuracy, the proposed formula is expected to be more appropriate for engineers.