After submitting my initial plans for a backyard pergola, the city denied the request for a permit based on a few requirements. The most critical element to receiving a permit was providing them wind load calculations for the structure. This request was out of my scope, so I reached out to an expert, an engineer, for help.
The term ‘Wind Load’ refers to any pressures or forces that the wind exerts on a building or structure. Living in one of the country’s strictest code enforcement areas, Florida, it’s critical to the type of storms we face. There are three types of wind forces that can affect a building.
The first type of wind load is uplift. Uplift is an upwards force of the wind that would affect roof structures or similar horizontal structures in a building, such as canopies or awnings. The second is shear wind load or the horizontal pressure or force that can cause walls or vertical structural elements to tilt or crack, causing a building to tilt. Finally, there is a lateral wind load. Lateral wind load is a horizontal wind pressure that can make a structure move off its foundations or overturn.
These wind load types affect the integrity of a structure and more so in Florida, where the weather may be extreme. For this reason, the city requests these calculations to ensure the design is up to the stresses it may encounter. More importantly, it will not only endure but stay standing.
This situation reminds me of how scripture warns us to be ready for the storms of life. It’s not a matter of “if” but “when” and, more importantly, “how” and “why.” The how is by anchoring our faith in the word. The why, so we may persevere and triumph over adversity.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
Read and meditate on 2 Corinthians 4:7-10.
Pray:
How are you prepared for the storms to come? Pray and ask God to help you prepare. Be real; be honest.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Determine how you will face the storms with courage and assurance to overcome. Meditate on and memorize verses for encouragement.
Share / Show:
Share what you’ve learned with someone else.
