Abstract. This paper presents a rational method for the selection of the most suitable directional sectors in the analysis of extreme wind loads on structures. It takes into consideration the main sources of uncertainty stemming from sector selection and leads to the definition of independent and statistically homogeneous directional sectors. This method is applied to the selection of directional sectors for the calculation of the design wind speed of a structure located at the mouth of the Río de la Plata. The results in the estimated reliability and costs were compared to those obtained with conventional engineering methods, revealing significant differences. It was found that the proposed method is a simple and objective tool for the selection of directional sectors, which comply with the working hypothesis of the directional models, and offers better guarantees for dimensioning than the use of more traditional engineering approaches for sectorial division.

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