Terrain Category 3
Overview
Terrain Category 3 (TC 3) describes terrain with numerous, closely spaced obstructions. It is typically found in dense residential or industrial areas, or forests.
Why This Is Important
- Ensures buildings are engineered for lower wind speeds due to obstruction shielding.
- Commonly used in suburban and light industrial construction zones.
- Helps prevent over-engineering or under-engineering structural elements based on environment.
Characteristics
- Obstruction heights typically range from 3 to 10 meters
- Minimum density: equivalent to 10 house-size obstructions per hectare
Examples
- Suburban housing
- Light industrial estates
- Dense forests
Tips, Best Practices & Troubleshooting
- If you're unsure whether to classify as TC 2.5 or TC 3, check the number of houses, trees, or obstructions per hectare.
- For mixed developments, use the most conservative classification or seek engineering support.
- Consider all directions of exposure (wind sectors), not just what's visible in front of the building site.
Related Resources
Request Engineering (Site Check)
Review & Updates
Version History:
- v1.0 – 18 March 2019
- v2.0 – 31 July 2025
Article Information
- Category: Engineering & Site Specifications
- Target Audience: Estimators, Sales Coordinators, Franchise Users
- Business Owner:
- Version: v2.0
- Last Reviewed: 31 July 2025