During the October 2014 SE University session, Designing for ASCE 7-10 Wind Loads – Components & Cladding, Don Scott, SE, from PCS Structural Solutions, was asked the question, “Does the minimum design wind pressure of ASCE Section 30.2.2 (16 psf) apply to walls in the interior of an enclosed building?”
In response, Don said that it is up to engineering judgment, but many engineers would not design the interior walls for the 16 PSF. However, if a loading dock is present and the door(s) might be open during a wind event, engineers may want to design the interior walls in the area of the loading dock for the 16 PSF load. For a typical office area, Don indicated that the typical 5 PSF load on the interior walls would be used, unless there was reason to believe that the exterior walls might be breached.
In a 1:50 video clip from the Q&A Discussion after the October session, available to SE University Clients through the SEU Resource Center, Don discusses this issue.