Abstract:
This paper evaluates the need for updating the strong wind climate stipulations of South Africa
for the design of structures in accordance with SANS 10160-3:2010, as based on the latest
information presented by Kruger et al (2013a; 2013b). The primary objective is to provide the
geographic distribution of the characteristic gust wind speed by means of the fundamental
value of the basic wind speed, stipulated as vb,0 in SANS 10160-3. A reassessment of previously
published information is made to incorporate additional wind speed modelling results and to
investigate identified anomalies. The format of presentation, based on local municipal districts,
is subsequently motivated, assessed and implemented. In order to provide for situations
requiring the consideration of the dynamic effects of wind loading, similar information on
characteristic hourly mean wind speed is provided. It is concluded that the presentation of wind
speed on a district basis provides an effective balance between the spatial resolution of the
available information and its use in operational standardised design.
