Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

Dynamic wind load refers to the vertical motion caused by wind, which can create oscillations in any direction. These vibrations, if unchecked, can lead to structural failure, particularly in bridges with thin or improperly shaped decks.1

In contrast, static wind load is the horizontal pressure that attempts to push a structure sideways. Wind forces increase with a building's height, and tall structures must be designed to withstand both the bending caused by wind pressure and the swaying motion resulting from vortex shedding. These oscillations can be imperceptible to occupants or, in extreme cases, lead to collapse if the building's natural period of vibration aligns with the wind's vortex shedding frequency.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.