[MS 1553:2002] Building Wind Loads Generator

Intro

This plugin automates the calculation of static wind loads in accordance with the MS 1553:2002 standard for building structures in Malaysia.
It enables engineers to input wind design parameters and instantly visualize height-wise distributions of wind pressure and force, streamlining the entire wind load assessment process.

Applicable standards

• MS 1553:2002 - Code of Practice on Wind Loading for Building Structures

Benefits of this plugin

• Standards Compliance: Ensures full compliance with MS 1553:2002, supporting consistent and reliable wind load calculations for structures located in Malaysia.
• Visual Validation: Automatically generated bar charts show story force, story shear, and overturning moment by direction, helping users verify load results with confidence.
• Interactive Workflow: Graphs and calculations update instantly as design parameters are adjusted, minimizing manual recalculations and accelerating design iterations.
• Calc.Sheet Export & Integration: The plugin supports direct load application to structural models and allows users to export results to Excel for documentation or integration with other tools.

How to use this plugin?

1. On the left, users input wind design parameters of your structural model.
   
2. On the right, the plugin instantly visualizes results such as Story Force, Story Shear, and Overturning Moment in both X and Y directions using charts and tables.
   
3. Move from the X-Dir tab to the Y-Dir tab to input the parameters for defining Wind Loads acting in the Y-direction of the global coordinate system used in the model.
   

4. Once all parameters are set, press to the "Apply” button on the right side of main dialog.
   Here, you can select the Static Load Cases where the wind loads will be applied for each direction.

5. Finally, click the “Apply” button to assign the calculated loads to your structural model.
   

Note

This plugin is organized into multiple functional sections, each guiding users through the process of generating static wind loads in accordance with the MS 1553:2002 standard.
The wind design parameters allow users to define the key inputs required for wind load analysis.
Each parameter is derived from specific clauses outlined in the Malaysian standard to ensure consistency, compliance, and clarity in structural wind design.

Wind Design Paramters

① Vs : Basic Wind Speed

Vs reference is based on 50 years return period and has been recommended for Zone I (33.5 m/s) and Zone II (32.5 m/s ) respectively, see  [Fundamental Basic Wind Velocity Map] or Figure 3.1.

② Md : Climate change multiplier
The value of Md is 1.0.

③ Mz,cat : Terrain/Height Multiplier
Defined in Section 4.2, Mz,cat accounts for terrain roughness and height. For varying upwind terrains, Clause 4.2.3 allows for averaging.

④ Mz,cat : Terrain/Height Multiplier
Defined in Section 4.2, Mz,cat accounts for terrain roughness and height. For varying upwind terrains, Clause 4.2.3 allows for averaging.

⑤ Ms : Shielding Multiplier
Given in Section 4.3. Use Table 4.3. Where the effects of shielding are igrnored, or are not applicable for a particular wind direction, or where the average up-slope ground gradient is greater than 0.2, Ms shall be taken as 1.0.

⑥ Mh : Hill Shape Multiplier
Given in Section 4.4. Mh shall be taken as 1.0 except that for the particular cardinal direction in the local topographic zones shown in Figures 4.3 and 4.4.

Site Wind Speed

The site wind speeds is defined at the level of the average roof height above ground (see Figure 2.1) by the expression :

The building design wind speeds, Vdes shall be taken as the maximum site wind speed, Vsit multiplied by the importnace factor ,I, which can be obtaned from Table 3.2

Design wind pressures
The building design wind pressures, in pascals (Pa), are computed using the equation:

where :

• pair  : density of air (1.225kg/m3) and 0.5 pair is 0.613
• Vdes  : building design wind speeds
• Cfig : aerodynamic shape factor (see Section 5)
• Cdyn : Dynamic response factor(see Section 6)

⑦ Cfig : Aerodynamic shape factor

For external pressures on enclosed buildings, determined using Section 5.2(a).

⑧ Cpe : External pressure coefficient

Found in Table 5.2(a) for windward walls and Table 5.2(b) for leeward walls. Depends on the h/d ratio.

⑨ Ka : Area reduction factor

As per Clause 5.4.2. Use Table 5.4 for roofs and walls of enclosed buildings. Default to 1.0 for other cases.

⑩ Kc : Combination factor (for external pressure)

Defined in Clause 5.4.3. When multiple surface pressures contribute to a structural action, a factor < 1.0 may be applied.

⑪ Kl : Local pressure factor for cladding

From Clause 5.4.4. Default is 1.0, unless specific local cladding pressures apply.

⑫ Kp : Porous cladding reduction factor

Defined in Clause 5.4.5. Generally 1.0, or per Table 5.8 when permeable cladding is used.

⑬ Cdyn : Dynamic response factor

As per Section 6:

• Cdyn = 1.0 if the first natural frequency > 1 Hz

• For frequencies between 0.2–1.0 Hz, use Clause 6.2(along-wind) or 6.3 (cross-wind)

• Note: This plugin does not support flexible tall buildings. Users must manually compute Cdyn using Equations (10) or (19)

⑭ Building Plan Dimensions (b × d)
Used to determine shape factor and wind-exposed area.

⑮ Importance Factor / Wind Direction

• Importance factor given in Table 3.2 according to category of structures (0.87,1.0,1.15,1.15 respectively)

• Main wind direction determines axis and load assignment.

Conclusion

This plugin provides a fast and intuitive solution for generating static wind loads based on MS 1553:2002. By guiding users through key wind design parameters—such as basic wind speed, terrain category, shielding, and building height—it improves clarity and consistency in wind load determination.

With real-time visualization and export features, engineers can quickly assess the impact of site and building characteristics on wind forces. The streamlined workflow minimizes manual input and promotes standardized, reproducible wind load design outcomes.