SUMMARY
The effect of wind and earthquake on the structures can be specified briefly by the effect of horizontal forces act on structures varied in its value and direction depending on the position and the distance from the sea in case of wind load, and the distance from the seismic zone in case of earthquake. These horizontal forces conflict in concept with structural stability of the structure, that the most of designer engineers adopted the vertical forces only in design calculations, and neglecting the horizontal forces based on the mind the horizontal forces is not effective on the structures. This design concept is wrong, thus it is necessary to take in to consideration the effect of these horizontal forces on structures, especially there are a number of earthquakes were took placed in different places of Iraq. So, it is necessary dealing seriously with design calculations according to local and international common codes. This investigation deals with; review the design procedures of different codes, illustrates solved design examples according to different local and international codes, the difference in design between the horizontal and vertical forces and the methods to minimize the effect of wind and earthquake on structures.