Arlington Wind Load Requirements

Arlington: Entertainment Capital Wind Load Requirements

Arlington, the Entertainment Capital of Texas and major city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, is located in Tarrant County between Dallas and Fort Worth with unique wind load requirements driven by its position in North Texas tornado alley, exposure to severe thunderstorms and supercells, large-scale stadium infrastructure, and urban development patterns. Arlington requires design wind speeds ranging from approximately 100-115 mph (3-second gust) for Risk Category II structures, based on ASCE 7-22 wind speed maps and location-specific conditions.

Arlington operates under the City of Arlington Building Inspections Division requirements, which adopt the International Building Code (IBC) with Texas-specific amendments. The city references ASCE 7-22 for wind load calculations. Arlington's distinctive features—home to AT&T Stadium (80,000+ capacity), Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers), Six Flags Over Texas, entertainment district concentration, position in DFW tornado alley, and North Texas severe weather patterns—create unique structural design considerations necessitating careful analysis of wind speeds, exposure categories, and severe weather resilience.

Why Arlington Has 100-115 mph Wind Speed Requirements

Arlington's design wind speeds of 100-115 mph are derived from ASCE 7-22 wind speed maps for North Texas. This velocity range accounts for the region's position in tornado alley with significant tornado activity, exposure to severe supercell thunderstorms producing straight-line winds exceeding 70-90 mph, and occasional hailstorms with combined wind loading. The wind speed reflects Arlington's inland location with elevated severe weather hazard compared to many inland regions.

The exact wind speed for a specific Arlington project depends on precise location within the city and local terrain conditions. The WindLoadCalc.com calculator automatically determines the correct velocity based on your project's zip code or address, accounting for North Texas regional variations.

City of Arlington Building Inspections Division

Arlington operates under the City of Arlington Building Inspections Division, which establishes local building regulations:

• IBC Adoption: Arlington adopts the International Building Code (IBC) as the base code with city and state-specific amendments
• ASCE 7-22 Reference: Arlington references ASCE 7-22 for wind load calculations, the current edition of the standard
• Building Inspections Authority: Arlington Building Inspections Division is the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for permit review and inspections
• Online Permitting: Arlington offers online permit submission through the city's digital permitting system
• Professional Engineer Requirements: All structural calculations must be prepared and sealed by a PE licensed in Texas (critical for wind engineering)
• Stadium-Scale Projects: Large assembly structures like AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field required extensive peer review and specialized wind engineering analysis

Arlington Geographic and Urban Considerations

Arlington's location in the DFW metroplex significantly influences wind load requirements:

• DFW Tornado Alley Position: Arlington sits in the heart of DFW tornado alley, experiencing frequent tornado warnings and occasional direct tornado strikes
• Entertainment District: Concentration of AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and Six Flags creates unique wind engineering challenges for large-span, flexible structures
• Urban Exposure B: Most of Arlington features typical suburban development with Exposure Category B conditions due to closely-spaced buildings and vegetation
• North Texas Flatland: Relatively flat terrain with minimal topographic effects (Kzt typically 1.0), but open exposure can create higher wind speeds in some areas
• Lake Arlington: The 2,250-acre reservoir creates localized exposure variations near shoreline properties
• I-20/I-30 Corridors: Major transportation corridors with mixed commercial and industrial development

Exposure Categories in Arlington

Arlington projects typically use Exposure Category B due to urban and suburban development patterns:

• Exposure Category B (Primary): Urban and suburban terrain with numerous closely spaced obstructions (buildings, trees) having heights of 30 feet or more. This applies to most Arlington residential, commercial, and entertainment districts
• Local Terrain Variations: Engineers must evaluate site-specific conditions for at least 20 times the building height (or 2,600 feet, whichever is less) in all directions per ASCE 7-22
• Open Areas: Some industrial areas, new developments, or areas near Lake Arlington may approach Exposure C characteristics with reduced obstructions
• Stadium Structures: Large-scale stadiums (AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field) require specialized exposure analysis considering their height, size, and surrounding terrain

Arlington Wind Load Calculations: Step by Step

Calculating wind loads for Arlington projects requires following ASCE 7-22 methodology with City of Arlington requirements. The fundamental velocity pressure equation is:

qz = 0.00256 Kz Kzt Kd Ke V²

For a typical Arlington commercial project with V = 110 mph, Exposure B conditions, and standard parameters, the calculation demonstrates North Texas wind pressures. An Arlington project with:

• V = 110 mph (typical Arlington velocity)
• Kz = 0.70 (30 ft height, Exposure B)
• Kzt = 1.0 (flat terrain, no topographic effects)
• Kd = 0.85 (buildings)
• Ke = 1.0 (typical elevation)

Results in a velocity pressure of approximately qz = 21.6 psf—higher than many inland regions due to North Texas severe weather exposure.

For higher risk categories (hospitals, schools, stadiums), the increased wind speed amplifies pressures significantly. A Risk Category III school with V = 120 mph would experience approximately qz = 26.4 psf—a 22% increase demonstrating the importance of proper risk classification.

Severe Thunderstorms: Arlington's Primary Wind Threat

Severe thunderstorms are the most frequent source of damaging winds in Arlington:

• Supercell Storms: North Texas is prime supercell territory. Spring and early summer bring rotating supercell thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, giant hail, and straight-line winds exceeding 70-90 mph
• Derecho Events: Widespread convective windstorms occasionally track across North Texas. Derechos can produce sustained winds of 60-80 mph with gusts exceeding 100 mph
• Downburst Winds: Intense downdrafts from severe thunderstorms create localized wind speeds of 80-100+ mph in concentrated areas
• Hail Combination: Severe thunderstorms often combine high winds with giant hail (softball-size hail recorded in DFW), creating simultaneous impact and wind loading
• Peak Season: March through June represents peak severe weather season, with frequent tornado watches and warnings affecting Arlington

Tornado History and Risk in Arlington

Arlington's position in DFW tornado alley creates significant tornado exposure:

• High Frequency: Tarrant County experiences multiple tornadoes annually, with several directly impacting Arlington in recent decades
• March 28, 2000 (Downtown Fort Worth F2): F2 tornado struck downtown Fort Worth just west of Arlington, demonstrating urban tornado vulnerability
• April 3, 2012 (Arlington EF2): EF2 tornado tracked through parts of Arlington, causing millions in damage to homes and businesses
• October 20, 2019 (Dallas EF3): EF3 tornado struck northeast Dallas, part of a major North Texas tornado outbreak demonstrating the region's severe tornado potential
• Urban Tornado Risk: Arlington's dense development means tornadoes impact numerous structures when they strike urban areas
• Stadium Concerns: AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field have sophisticated weather monitoring systems to protect large crowds during severe weather events

AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field: Stadium Wind Engineering

Arlington's iconic stadiums represent advanced wind engineering achievements:

• AT&T Stadium: 3 million square foot, 80,000-seat retractable roof stadium completed in 2009. The 292-foot clear-span arches and retractable roof required extensive wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis
• Globe Life Field: 1.75 million square foot, 40,300-seat retractable roof ballpark completed in 2020. Designed to withstand North Texas severe weather including tornadoes and hailstorms
• Wind Tunnel Testing: Both stadiums underwent comprehensive wind tunnel testing to evaluate wind pressures, aerodynamic stability, and crowd safety during high-wind events
• Retractable Roof Systems: Complex mechanical roof systems must operate safely in wind conditions and withstand severe weather when closed
• Crowd Safety Protocols: Stadiums have weather monitoring systems and emergency procedures to protect crowds during tornado warnings and severe thunderstorms
• Higher Risk Categories: Large assembly structures typically require Risk Category III or IV classification, resulting in higher design wind speeds

Risk Categories and Wind Speed Adjustments

Arlington projects must be classified into Risk Categories per ASCE 7-22 Table 1.5-1. Higher risk categories require increased design wind speeds:

Risk Category	Arlington Design Wind Speed	Building Types
Risk Category I	~95-110 mph	Agricultural facilities, temporary structures, minor storage
Risk Category II	100-115 mph	Residential, commercial, hotels, most standard occupancies
Risk Category III	~110-125 mph	Schools, assembly >300, AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field
Risk Category IV	~120-135 mph	Hospitals, fire stations, emergency shelters, essential facilities

Arlington Zip Codes and Wind Speed Reference

Arlington encompasses zip codes in the 76000-76099 range. Wind speeds are relatively consistent across the city with minor variations:

• 76010 (Central Arlington/Entertainment District): 100-115 mph, Exposure B, includes AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field
• 76011 (East Arlington): 100-115 mph, Exposure B, suburban development
• 76012 (North Arlington): 100-115 mph, Exposure B, mixed residential/commercial
• 76013 (South Arlington): 100-115 mph, Exposure B to C transition in some open areas
• 76014 (West Arlington): 100-115 mph, Exposure B, includes Six Flags area
• 76015 (Southeast Arlington): 100-115 mph, Exposure B, near Lake Arlington with local variations
• 76016 (Southwest Arlington): 100-115 mph, Exposure B, suburban development
• 76017 (Far East Arlington): 100-115 mph, Exposure B to C in newer developments
• 76018 (Far North Arlington): 100-115 mph, Exposure B, mixed development
• 76019 (Northwest Arlington/Pantego): 100-115 mph, Exposure B, suburban areas

The WindLoadCalc.com wind load calculator automatically determines the correct wind speed when you enter any Arlington zip code or address, providing ASCE 7-22 compliant calculations for North Texas conditions.

Professional Engineer (PE) Requirements in Texas

All wind load calculations for Arlington building permits must be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in Texas. The City of Arlington Building Inspections Division requires sealed calculations that include:

• Project address with wind speed determination per ASCE 7-22
• Design wind speed (100-115 mph range for Risk Category II, location-dependent)
• Exposure Category determination with supporting justification (typically B for Arlington)
• Topographic factor (Kzt) determination (typically 1.0 for flat North Texas terrain)
• Risk Category determination with supporting documentation
• Complete ASCE 7-22 calculation methodology
• Component and Cladding (C&C) pressures for all building elements
• Main Wind Force Resisting System (MWFRS) pressures
• Special considerations for large assembly structures or critical facilities
• PE seal and signature on all structural calculations and construction documents

Texas Board of Professional Engineers Requirements

Texas has specific PE requirements for structural engineering:

• Licensure: Texas PE license required for all structural calculations submitted for building permits
• Continuing Education: Texas requires 15 PDH (Professional Development Hours) annually for PE license renewal
• Seal Requirements: All engineering documents must include PE seal, signature, and date
• Responsibility: The PE of record accepts professional responsibility for the accuracy and code compliance of all calculations
• Reciprocity: Texas has reciprocity agreements with many states, but out-of-state engineers must verify Texas licensure requirements

Official Arlington and Texas Resources

Engineers, architects, and contractors should reference these official resources for Arlington wind load compliance:

Common Arlington Wind Load Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating tornado risk: Arlington sits in active tornado alley. Critical facilities should consider tornado-resistant design features beyond standard wind loads
• Ignoring supercell potential: North Texas supercells produce extreme localized winds exceeding design wind speeds in downbursts and tornadoes
• Incorrect exposure category: Assuming Exposure B without site-specific analysis is improper—must evaluate actual surrounding terrain
• Using wrong ASCE version: Ensure calculations use ASCE 7-22 (or the version currently adopted by Arlington)
• Incorrect Risk Category: Schools, stadiums, hospitals require higher categories with increased wind speeds—AT&T Stadium is Risk Category III
• Neglecting hail loading: Severe thunderstorms combine high winds with giant hail, creating combined loading scenarios
• Stadium-scale structures: Large-span stadiums require specialized wind engineering beyond standard ASCE 7 provisions, including wind tunnel testing
• Missing PE seal: All structural calculations must be sealed by a Texas-licensed PE

How WindLoadCalc.com Handles Arlington Requirements

The wind load calculator at WindLoadCalc.com automatically applies Arlington-specific requirements:

• Location-Specific Wind Speed: Enter any Arlington zip code and the system automatically applies the correct 100-115 mph velocity based on ASCE 7-22 maps
• ASCE 7-22 Compliance: All calculations follow ASCE 7-22 methodology (current edition)
• Exposure Category B: Provides appropriate exposure recommendations for typical Arlington urban/suburban conditions
• Risk Category Adjustment: Applies appropriate velocity increases for Risk Categories I, III, and IV
• C&C Pressure Coefficients: Generates pressures for windows, doors, roof panels, wall cladding per ASCE 7-22
• PE-Ready Reports: Comprehensive calculation reports suitable for Arlington Building Inspections permit submission and PE review
• Height-Varying Pressures: Calculates appropriate Kz coefficients for different building heights
• North Texas Conditions: Accounts for DFW severe weather exposure and regional wind characteristics

Arlington Severe Weather Preparedness

Beyond structural design, Arlington residents and building owners should maintain severe weather awareness:

• Weather Alerts: Sign up for Arlington Emergency Alert System and monitor NWS Fort Worth for tornado watches and severe thunderstorm warnings
• Tornado Sirens: Arlington has extensive outdoor warning sirens activated during tornado warnings—seek shelter immediately when sirens sound
• Safe Rooms: Consider FEMA-compliant safe rooms for residential properties and critical facilities to provide tornado protection exceeding standard building code requirements
• Roof Inspections: Regular roof inspections after severe weather events to identify and repair wind/hail damage before it compromises structural integrity
• Tree Maintenance: Proper tree trimming reduces wind-related damage during severe thunderstorms
• Impact-Resistant Materials: Consider impact-resistant roofing, windows, and siding to resist hail and wind-borne debris

Tornado Alley Design Considerations

While ASCE 7-22 wind speeds account for regional severe weather, engineers designing critical facilities in Arlington should consider:

• FEMA P-361: Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes—provides design guidance for near-absolute protection spaces capable of resisting EF5 tornado wind speeds (250+ mph)
• ICC 500: ICC/NSSA Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters—establishes minimum design requirements for storm shelters
• Debris Impact Resistance: Consider missile impact criteria (15-lb 2x4 lumber at 100 mph, 3,000-lb vehicle at 50 mph) for critical facilities
• Continuity of Operations: Hospitals, fire stations, emergency operations centers should include hardened areas providing tornado protection for essential personnel
• School Safe Rooms: Many North Texas schools now include FEMA-compliant safe rooms to protect students during tornado events