Chapter 13: Designing buildings and infrastructure for wind hazards

As the atmosphere warms, it holds more energy, which can intensify storm systems and lead to more frequent and severe wind events. Warmer sea surface temperatures, in particular, contribute to the formation of stronger tropical cyclones and hurricanes, characterised by higher wind speeds and greater destructive potential. For instance, in the 2023 amendment to the Structures Design Manual for Highways and Railways (SDMHR) 2013 Edition, an additional 10.6% was added to the wind speed to cater for the climate change effect (Highways Department, 2023). This escalation in wind intensity poses a substantial threat to buildings and infrastructure, emphasising the need for more robust design standards capable of withstanding these extreme conditions.