Is the envelope procedure applicable to all building heights and enclosure classes?

The envelope procedure is a method used in engineering to determine the design loads for buildings, particularly in relation to wind and seismic considerations. It is a systematic way of evaluating how loads are distributed across a structure based on certain parameters like height and enclosing elements.

This procedure is particularly effective for certain building types and heights. It is not suitable for application to all building heights and enclosure classes because the assumptions and calculations that govern the envelope procedure may not hold true across different scenarios. For example, high-rise buildings experience unique effects from wind forces due to their elevation and geometry which can complicate their load responses. Likewise, low-rise buildings may present different characteristics in terms of their structural behavior under various conditions.

The performance and safety criteria governing various enclosure classes also play a significant role in determining whether the envelope procedure can be utilized. Given these factors, it is clear that the envelope procedure has limitations that restrict its applicability to a specific range of building types based on their height and design characteristics, confirming that the statement is false.