Question

Which of the following is correct?

(a) moment due to wind loads is not considered in unbraced buildings

(b) wind load cause large moments in braced buildings

(c) wind loads in multi-storey buildings are not usually applied at respective floor levels

(d) wind loads in multi-storey buildings are usually applied at respective floor levels

This question was addressed to me in final exam.

The doubt is from Compression Members and Loads on Compression Members in portion Design of Compression Members of Design of Steel Structures

Answer 1

Right answer is (d) wind loads in multi-storey buildings are usually applied at respective floor levels

To elaborate: Wind loads in multi-storey buildings are usually applied at respective floor levels and are assumed to be resisted by bracings. Hence in braced buildings wind loads do not cause large moments. But, in unbraced rigid framed  buildings, the moment due to wind loads should also be taken into account in the design of columns.