Structural Calculations · Wind
Do shade structures need wind load calculations?
Yes. Pergolas, canopies, car shades and tensile shades must be designed for wind, with stamped structural calculations for approval.
The short answer
Yes. Shade structures such as pergolas, canopies, car shades and tensile shade sails catch the wind, so they must be designed for wind loads as well as their own weight. The structural calculations check the members, connections, fixings and foundations, and they are stamped for the developer and authority approvals. Steel structures also need specialist verification and a stamp.
NeededYes, for wind
ChecksMembers, fixings, foundations
SteelSpecialist verification and stamp
What you need to know
- Wind: Shade structures act like sails.
- Foundations: A soil test is needed where a substructure is built.
- Calculations: Stamped for approval.
- Approvals: Developer NOC and permit.
Documents you may need
- Title deed and owner ID
- Affection plan or site plan
- Existing drawings or as-built drawings
- Photos of the area
- Developer NOC (where the community has a developer)
Who does what
Step by step
We confirm the exact route for your project.
| Step | Approval route | Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Design brief You and us | The size, use and loads of the structure. | — |
| Calculations Structural Solutions | Stamped structural calculations to the codes used in Dubai. | Structural calculations |
| Drawings Structural Solutions | Structural drawings that match the calculations. | — |
| Approvals Developer and authority | Submitted with the NOC and the building permit. | Approvals |
| Inspection Authority | Inspection and completion. | Sign-off |
Questions
Related questions
Do tensile shade sails need calculations?
Yes, especially for wind.
Do aluminium pergolas need calculations?
Yes.
What about the footings?
They are part of the calculations.
Who stamps them?
Our engineers.
Related guides