The windward side of a building will normally experience which pressure condition?

The windward side of a building will normally experience which pressure condition?

• A. Negative pressure
• B. Neutral pressure
• C. Positive pressure
• D. Fluctuating pressure

Answer: (C)

When wind hits the windward side of a building, the air is forced to slow to a stop at the surface, creating stagnation pressure. This increases the static pressure on that face above the surrounding outdoor air, so the windward side experiences positive pressure. Neutral pressure would mean it matches the ambient air, which isn’t the case here because the incoming wind adds kinetic energy that is converted into pressure at the surface. Negative pressure occurs on the leeward or sheltered sides where airflow can pull away from the surface. Gusts can cause fluctuations, but the baseline on the windward side is positive pressure.

When wind hits the windward side of a building, the air is forced to slow to a stop at the surface, creating stagnation pressure. This increases the static pressure on that face above the surrounding outdoor air, so the windward side experiences positive pressure. Neutral pressure would mean it matches the ambient air, which isn’t the case here because the incoming wind adds kinetic energy that is converted into pressure at the surface. Negative pressure occurs on the leeward or sheltered sides where airflow can pull away from the surface. Gusts can cause fluctuations, but the baseline on the windward side is positive pressure.