Towards rational framework for wind loads on buildings

Performance-based design is a basic rational framework for wind loads on buildings. The load factor format is preferred to the design return period to determine the wind load. The advantage of load factor format is discussed. From both economical and environmental aspects the minimization of lifecycle cost for a building is useful to provide the rationality of design loads. Not only the ultimate limit state for the safety but also the maintenance cost and damage costs at various limit states are considered. Relatively simple relationship between the reliability and the design load has to be fully utilized by professional engineers for performance based design to satisfy the demand of clients.