operational wind resistance
The wind speed at which a structure must cease operations or evacuate occupants.
The operational wind resistance of any built object is the maximum wind speed (in kilometers per hour or miles per hour) at which it must cease functioning in its intended usage or evacuate its occupants. This speed is generally lower than or equal to the speed indicated by the structural wind resistance of the same structure.
The threshold concerns continued use and occupancy. A ride or transport structure can reach an operational limit while its supporting structure remains intact.
Structural wind resistance concerns damage to structural integrity. The two limits can be equal, but an operational closure at a lower wind speed does not establish structural failure.
Related definitions
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building sway (max)
The maximum total length across which a structure is expected to sway in high winds at its extreme point. -
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. -
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.