While advances in technology have led to expanded code requirements and greater client expectations for building performance, the unexpectedly high pressures associated with wind forces often result in extensive building failures. This course introduces the learner to the fundamental concepts and vocabulary associated with wind forces. The technical aspects of wind forces are also reviewed, with particular emphasis on how buildings behave when subjected to wind and the structural aspects of building behavior. This is the first in a series of five courses on wind forces. Each part may be taken as an individual course. This 2022 edition is a substantial update of the original Wind Forces course first published in 2017.

While wind pressure typically develops on the surfaces of any obstruction placed in the path of the flow, the distribution of pressure on any surface of the obstruction varies, and the variation depends on the size, shape, and proportion of the obstruction. This course reviews the relationship between stream flow and pressure development, with particular emphasis on the nature and distribution of pressures developed on building surfaces. Also reviewed are pressure coefficients, the effects of internal and external pressures on buildings, and some general considerations of standard procedures for wind force analysis. This is the second in a series of five courses on wind forces. Each part may be taken as an individual course. This 2022 edition is a substantial update of the original Wind Forces course first published in 2017.

Buildings can be considered an assembly of parts or components. These parts may be major structural elements or seemingly nonstructural elements that contribute to the enclosure of space. This course focuses on building structure and how it may be designed to resist pressures. Through the use of examples, a review is presented of the structural systems of two buildings, the possible construction types, and details to be considered when the design process focuses on the effects of wind. This is the third in a series of five courses on wind forces. Each part may be taken as an individual course. This 2022 edition is a substantial update of the original Wind Forces course first published in 2017.

While architects cannot alter unexpectedly high wind pressures, building connection details and their strength can be considered within the architect’s scope and control. This course reviews the methods that can be used to improve building resistance against overturning, uplift, and sliding. Also reviewed are the use of horizontal and vertical wind collectors to distribute surface pressures and mechanical dampers to decrease lateral movement caused by wind pressures. Using the directional procedure specified in the ASCE 7-16 standard, the course also presents a wind pressure analysis for an example building type. This is the fourth in a series of five courses on wind forces. Each part may be taken as an individual course. This 2022 edition is a substantial update of the original Wind Forces course first published in 2017.

For existing buildings that are found to have wind resistance deficiencies, there is often no easy way of correcting the deficiencies without damaging finishes. For new buildings, however, achieving acceptable wind resistance is a relatively simple task, since needed structural elements, strength requirements, and connection details can be incorporated during the design process. Using the envelope procedure specified in ASCE 7-16, this course reviews the wind pressure analysis for an example building type. In addition, the methods that can be used to strengthen buildings for wind resistance are discussed, as well as some practical considerations for wind-resistant buildings. This is the fifth in a series of five courses on wind forces. Each part may be taken as an individual course. This 2022 edition is a substantial update of the original Wind Forces course first published in 2017.

A century’s worth of research into the effects of noise has found that long‐term exposure to loud sounds contributes to hearing loss; those who sleep in noisier environments are more prone to heart disease; and subjects suffer cognitively when assigned to tasks that involve careful listening in noisy environments. This course discusses design considerations, materials, and methods to improve noise control in buildings. This course is part of a seven-part series that translates the quantitative and qualitative content of acoustics into the graphic language of architecture. Each section can be taken as an individual course.

Even the most successful individuals keep in mind that failure is a possibility. To properly anticipate failure, the architect must be aware of the many potential sources of errors. Presented here are explanations of how environmental and human-caused forces and agents can cause building failure, along with design and construction recommendations to prevent such failures. This course is one of a six-part series that investigates the sources of building failure. Each part can be taken as an individual course. In 2022, this material was reviewed and updated to remain timely but was not extensively rewritten.