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
- Seismic base shear (V) using the equivalent lateral force procedure
- Wind base shear per ASCE 7 or ECP 201
- Governing lateral force based on the higher of seismic and wind
- Distribution of lateral forces to each shear wall proportionally by stiffness
- Overturning moment and sliding checks per wall
- Shear stress in wall and comparison with allowable or design capacity
Key Inputs Required
- Seismic zone / spectral acceleration parameters
- Occupancy/importance category
- Response modification factor R and system type
- Basic wind speed and exposure category
- Wall dimensions, thickness, and material strength
- Building storey heights and floor masses
Download the Shear Wall Wind and Earthquake Analysis Sheet
This sheet is particularly valuable in the early design stage when engineers need to quickly determine whether wind or seismic forces govern the lateral design, and how those forces distribute to each shear wall. It supports informed decision-making on shear wall sizing and layout before detailed modelling begins. Download the free Excel sheet below.
