The SEAW WEC was originally part of the SEAW Lateral Forces Committee. The Lateral Forces Committee was comprised of two groups, the  Wind Engineering Group and the Earthquake Engineering Group. In the 1980’s it was determined these two groups become two separate committees, the Wind Engineering Committee (WEC) and the Earthquake Engineering Committee (EEC).

The first major accomplishment of the WEC was the publication of the Wind Commentary to the Uniform Building Code in 1991. A second edition was published in 1994 and a third, SEAW/ATC60, in 2004. An updated fourth commentary is presently being authored in conjunction with the NCSEA Code Advisory Wind Engineering Subcommittee.

In addition to SEAW’s Wind Commentary recent accomplishments and current and future work include:

• The publication of three White Papers, which are available at Codes/White Papers — SEAW.
• Engagement of a Wind Engineering Consultant to study the Special Wind Regions (SWR) in Washington State. The Consultant’s SWR recommendations are presently in the Code Change Approval process for ASCE 7-28, the Washington State Building Code and the Washington State Residential Code. They are also documented in White Paper WEC#3-2025
• Assist the NCSEA Code Advisory Wind Engineering Subcommittee with the update of  the 2004 SEAW/ATC60 Publication.
• Generate a Kzt Wind Load map replicating the City of Seattle’s Wind Load Factor Map.

How to Get Involved

All SEAW members, whatever their experience and background, are encouraged to participate in SEAW’s WEC meetings. Please contact the WEC chair, Scott Douglas to join and receive additional information and announcements on Committee meetings and activities. Meetings are typically the third or fourth Friday of every other month at noon, as announced in the Equilibrium or on the SEAW website calendar.