In situ measurements of wind pressures on low slope membrane roofs

Based on the National Building Code of Canada׳s (NBCC) zoning procedure, pressure taps were installed to obtain data for the corner, edge and field roof zones. Occurrences of wind speed exceeding 16 m s−1 were considered for various wind directions. Peak and mean pressure coefficients were calculated and compared with NBCC (2010)'s specifications. When instantaneous peak pressure coefficients were compared with the NBCC (2010), the measured data exceeded NBCC (2010)'s specifications for some wind directions. Nevertheless, when the pressure coefficients were compared by paring with their respective tributary area, the data concluded that the current NBCC (2010)'s specifications for the roof cladding and components are equally adequate for the wind load design of low slope membrane roofs.