What is the significance of wind zones?

• A. Wind pressure is uniform across the façade.
• B. Corners and edges experience the lowest pressures.
• C. Wind pressure is not uniform; corners and edges experience the highest pressures.
• D. Internal pressure dominates on windward walls.

Answer: (C)

Wind pressures around a building aren’t the same everywhere; they vary by location because the wind flow wraps, accelerates, and separates around corners and edges. That variation is what wind zones capture and is why they’re important in design. Corners and edges experience the highest local pressures due to flow acceleration and stagnation effects, while interior wall areas tend to see lower, more shielded pressures. This nonuniform distribution drives the need to size connections and detailing in the most heavily loaded zones, ensuring cladding and roof systems stay securely attached under wind loads.