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NYC Wind Study Overview

NACWIR June 27, 2017
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Wind Study in Response to Local Law 81 of 2013

Why are we doing this?

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Source: NY Times

▪ High winds can pose risks to construction 

cranes and other construction equipment and 

operations

▪ Buildings under construction have their own 

vulnerabilities to wind

▪ New York City has a vast array of building 

configurations and construction types

▪ High winds can pose significant threats to 

old or poorly maintained buildings
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Wind Study in Response to Local Law 81 of 2013

Project Scope (Tasks)

Existing buildings

 Analysis of existing buildings that are at risk of causing falling debris due to wind, 

based on the age, construction classification, construction methods and materials, 

height, and use

Buildings that are raised

 Analysis of effects of wind on existing buildings that are raised, lifted, elevated or 

moved in order to comply with Appendix G of the NYC Building Code or to address 

flood hazard concerns

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Wind Study in Response to Local Law 81 of 2013

Project Scope

Buildings under construction

 Analysis of effects of wind on buildings under construction, including the effects of 

wind on buildings with incomplete façade assemblies, temporary installations used 

in construction, and construction materials stored on site

Changes in future storms

 Analysis of forecasts of potential changes in the frequency, intensity, and path of 

future storm events, along with consideration of whether climate change may 

impact wind speeds and other factors 

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Wind Study in Response to Local Law 81 of 2013

Project Scope

Weather stations

 Examination of benefits of installing and maintaining weather stations across the 

city, including on high-rise buildings, to better understand localized wind patterns

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Wind Study in Response to Local Law 81 of 2013

Expectations

 Bring together expertise in wind engineering, structural engineering and 

construction

 Specific knowledge of wind conditions in New York City and the capacity to perform 

wind tunnel testing

 Engineers with experience and practical understanding of the existing NYC building 

stock and local methods of construction and design

 Use surveys of state of the art of wind engineering, statistical analysis of wind 

related failures and engineering calculations of typical details of existing building 

assemblies

 Adhere to the requirements of this task order, including requirements contained in 

the CDBG-DR Rider, the Uniform Federal Contract Provisions Rider for Federally 

Funded Procurement Contracts, and HUD Form 4010 – Federal Labor Standards 

Provisions.

 Keep ORR/DOB apprised of findings and feel free to ask ORR/DOB for input at any 

point

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Wind Study in Response to Local Law 81 of 2013

Deliverables

 For each Task 1 to 5: 

 Preliminary Report, including an overview of the project goals, tasks, 

and methodology, and a list of all content to be developed 

 Progress Report on research findings and analysis 

 Final Report on findings and analysis 

 A Report of recommendations on regulation changes and best practices

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Wind Study in Response to Local Law 81 of 2013