building sway (max)
The maximum total length across which a structure is expected to sway in high winds at its extreme point.
The maximum building sway is the greatest distance across which a structure is designed to sway back and forth at its extreme point in weather or seismic events, including strong winds and earthquakes. The measurement is the sum of movement in both directions of sway from the normal resting position. It is taken at the point of greatest sway, usually the top of a building or the middle of a bridge span.
Movement on both sides of the resting position contributes to the total. If the extreme point moves equally far in each direction, the full sway distance is twice its displacement to either side.
The point of greatest movement supplies the value even when it lies within a span. A static inclination of the whole structure does not describe this back-and-forth motion.
Related definitions
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floor bearing capacity
The amount of extra weight (furniture, machinery, etc.) that a measured square unit of a floor can safely support. -
freight elevator load (max)
The maximum weight which a freight elevator can safely carry, expressed in kilograms or pounds. -
maximum vehicle weight
The practical or allowed weight limit for vehicles entering a particular place or facility. -
operational wind resistance
The wind speed at which a structure must cease operations or evacuate occupants. -
passenger elevator load (max)
The maximum weight which a passenger elevator can safely carry, expressed in kilograms or pounds. -
seismic resistance
The earthquake moment magnitude a structure is expected to withstand without an interruption of use. -
structural wind resistance
The maximum wind speed a built object can withstand without damage to its structural integrity.