If the wind is coming from the windward side, and the opening to the building is on the leeward side, what happens on the inside of the building? Is the air pushing out and up?
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Hi @linda that’s a good question. Let’s see if one of our expert architects can further explain. @coachlizschneider do you mind jumping in?
@linda Thanks for the question.
Wind will create positive pressure on the windward face of a building while creating negative pressure on the leeward face and the sides of the building. Generally, this causes the air to push out of and opening on the leeward side.
Depending on the size of the building and its relationship to surrounding buildings there maybe additional effects that you may need to consider. One effect to look out for is called Wake Effect, which occurs on the leeward side of a building. This will cause increased wind speeds and turbulence. So with an opening on the leeward side you may have wind pushing in towards the building. This will most often occur in buildings with around 16 to 30 floors.
For more information both Building Construction Illustrated and Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings contain some good diagrams showing the different effects of wind on buildings.