The new Hong Kong wind code 2004

The Code of Practice on Wind Effects in Hong Kong 2004, which was launched in December 2004, introduces several new concepts in the assessment of wind loads for the structural design of buildings or building works in Hong Kong. Along with the promulgation of the Code, the Buildings Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region issued a technical document called Explanatory Materials to the Code of Practice on Wind Effects in Hong Kong 2004 which provides a summary of the background information and considerations reviewed by the Code Drafting Committee during the preparation of the Code. This paper intends to give a brief account of the major changes in the Code as compared with the 1983 version and to discuss the rationale behind the Code in determining the basic design parameters for the assessment of wind loads on a building structure.

Stephen K. L. Lo
Former Chief Structural Engineer, Buildings Department, Government of HKSAR