This Excel sheet can be used to analyse lateral forces on shear walls under the combined impact of earthquakes and wind. It enables the user to input seismic analysis parameters, wind information, and building dimensions to determine resulting shear forces, moments, and load distribution among walls, facilitating structural stability design.

Why Combined Wind and Earthquake Analysis Matters

Shear walls are the primary lateral load-resisting elements in most low-to-mid-rise reinforced concrete and masonry buildings. They must be designed to resist both wind and seismic forces, and codes such as ACI 318 and ASCE 7 require engineers to consider both independently and in combination with gravity loads as part of the governing load combinations.

In regions of moderate to high seismicity, seismic forces typically govern. In low-seismic regions or for taller structures, wind forces may be more critical. This sheet allows engineers to assess both conditions rapidly in a single file.

What This Sheet Calculates

  • Lateral force distribution to individual shear walls based on relative stiffness
  • Wind story forces and resulting shear on each wall
  • Seismic base shear and its vertical distribution over building height
  • In-plane shear force and overturning moment for each wall
  • Torsional effects arising from eccentricity between center of mass and center of rigidity
  • Comparison of wind versus seismic demand to identify the governing load case

Design Inputs Required

  • Seismic design category and site class
  • Response modification factor (R) and importance factor
  • Building weight (seismic mass) per floor level
  • Basic wind speed and exposure category
  • Shear wall layout, dimensions, and relative stiffness
  • Number of stories and story heights

Applicable Design Codes

This sheet follows the load combination and lateral force procedures set out in ACI 318 for reinforced concrete shear wall design, together with the wind and seismic load provisions of ASCE 7. Users should confirm that the specific code edition referenced in the sheet matches their project requirements.

Who Should Use This Tool

This tool is intended for structural engineers designing reinforced concrete or masonry buildings with shear wall lateral systems, particularly in regions where both wind and seismic loads need to be checked to determine which governs. It is useful for preliminary sizing and for cross-checking results from structural analysis software.

Download Excel Sheet

Download the Free Shear Wall Wind and Earthquake Analysis Sheet

This Excel sheet is offered as a free download for engineers who need to evaluate shear wall performance under both wind and seismic loading without building two separate spreadsheets. By entering seismic design parameters, wind data, and building geometry, users can obtain lateral force distribution, shear, and moment results for each wall and identify which load case governs. It is intended as a preliminary design and verification tool and should be used alongside the full requirements of the applicable structural code.

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