Abstract: Wind load estimation is very important to single-layer reticulated shells since this system is sensitive to external load distribution,and stability analysis is a main problem in structural design.However,the current estimated equivalent static wind load may not reflect the actual effect of fluctuating wind load on the stability of the shells.In this paper,existing methods used to estimate equivalent static wind load distribution are briefly reviewed.A framework to estimate the effective static wind load distribution for the single-layer reticulated shells based on wind tunnel tests is introduced.Then,a new simple method on the basis of stability analysis is presented to give a conservative estimation of wind load effects,and to improve the efficiency in estimating the effective static wind load distribution.Finally,by comparative analysis of a spherical and a cylindrical single-layer reticulated shell with different methods mentioned and wind tunnel tests,the efficiency of the present method for limit load-carrying capacity and stability analysis of single-layer reticulated shells is demonstrated.