One of the many challenges of innovation in building enclosure design is the risk of using technologies and materials that have limited track records. Especially when a premium is paid to attain expected performance benefits and energy savings, failure can be both counter-productive and costly. However, using only time-tested strategies and materials may not be desirable in an environment of rapidly evolving technology and accelerated construction schedules.

Windspeed and wind pressures are concepts that often causes confusion and anxiety for many building professions when it comes to component and cladding design and specifications. In this course, the speaker will break down the differences between Strength Design and Allowable Stress Design approaches and discuss when each design methodology is appropriate for component and cladding design. Wind load maps for Oregon have changed in the recent iteration of the 2019 OSSC resulting in lower wind pressures in many local areas potentially lowering the cost for components and cladding systems.