Modernizing Wind Load Standards for Ireland

In anticipation of the implementation of the Second-Generation Eurocodes, evaluating the suitability of these standards is necessary to ensure the structural safety and sustainable design of Ireland’s future building stock. This paper provides a detailed comparative analysis of the wind loading codes of practice relevant to Ireland: The Irish National Annex to EN1991-1-4 (2005) and the draft version of the Second-Generation Eurocode, EN1991-1-4 (2025). Quantitative evaluation is conducted across a range of building typologies, with calculations performed for various sites and structural geometries. The findings reveal marked differences in wind load predictions between the codes, particularly affecting base shear values and net pressure coefficients. Areas of concern regarding structural design efficiency and safety for future building structures in Ireland are outlined. The significant inconsistencies between provisions within the codes of practice are identified and critically evaluated from both theoretical and practical perspectives, providing insight into the optimal solution for implementation in Irish engineering practice.