WIND CERTIFICATION 101
Wind certification is a systematic analysis of equipment for wind loading. Each part of the product needs to be evaluated including the Main Wind-Force Resisting System (MWFRS), components and cladding, and anchorage. Components and cladding receive the wind forces, while the MWFRS transfers the wind forces through the component and down to the supporting structure through the anchorage. A complete load path needs to be maintained throughout the equipment, down to the supporting structure.
A well-developed wind certification program requires detailed consideration of the equipment under consideration. In order to properly develop a program, certain key elements must be considered, including: materials of construction, externally mounted sub-components, product options, mounting details, connected elements and details of construction. These items must be accounted for in the certification and appropriately documented so users understand certification limitations and ensure a valid wind certification for a given installation.