Uplift force
An uplift force is any upward pressure applied to a structure that has the potential to raise it relative to its surroundings. Uplift forces can be a consequence of pressure from the ground below, wind, surface water, and so on.
Water pressure can exert an uplift force on a structure due to high rainfall, for example by causing clay soils to expand. This can be problematic if the upward forces are greater than the forces being exerted downwards by the structure. To overcome this risk, the structure must be appropriately designed to provide greater resistance against uplift forces, and also a drainage system to relieve the water pressure.
For more information, see Ground heave.
All roofs are subject to wind uplift, which will vary according to location, terrain, height, size, shape, exposure and so on. Wind uplift occurs when the air pressure under the roof is greater than the air pressure above it. This can be exacerbated during high wind, as air infiltration into the building can increase pressure below the roof, whilst the speed of wind over the roof surface can reduce air pressure above it, in much the same way it does over an aircraft wing. This can cause damage to the roof if the difference in pressure becomes too great.
'BS EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010 Eurocode 1. Actions on structures. General actions. Wind actions' defines the methodology for calculating likely wind loads which then allow a roofing system to be appropriately designed.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bearing capacity.
- Floor loading.
- Ground heave.
- Hurricane design considerations.
- Lateral loads.
- Limit state design.
- Moment.
- Racking.
- Roofing defects.
- Settlement of buildings.
- Subsidence.
- The design of temporary structures and wind adjacent to tall buildings.
- Types of structural load.
- Uniformly Distributed Load.
- Vibrations.
- Wind comfort simulations.
- Wind load.
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.