The wind load generator contains a factor, f to be used to multiply wind loads with a default value of 1.0. Is this factor where the user might adjust the wind load for varying shape factors for open structures as given in ASCE 7?
In parallel to this post, I have submitted a question to the ASCE 7 Wind Committee asking for clarification on how to apply the calculated value of wind force on a lattice structure given in the standard. Currently, the wording in the standard implies that the wind load is for the vertical panel on the leading face of a square lattice tower. This would require applying the wind force to the windward and leeward faces of the tower.
The motivation for this is to generate wind loads in accordance with ASCE 7 and validate the automatic load generator in STAAD.
The factor is basically to provide the user with an option to multiply the generated wind load, in case required. It is not specific to open structures. For automatic wind load generation as per ASCE 7, force coefficients Cf are used by the software in the calculation of the wind pressure, depending on the structure type. Users can also force their own Cf value, in which case, that is used by the software. The factor f provides an additional avenue to make modifications to the generated wind loads.
Answer Verified By: WBell