Aerodynamic Methods for Mitigating Wind-Induced Building Motions

by N. Isyumov, Univ of Western Ontario, Canada,
R. Dutton, Univ of Western Ontario, Canada,
A. G. Davenport, Univ of Western Ontario, Canada,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structural Design, Analysis and Testing

Abstract:

Excessive wind-induced motions of tall buildings most frequently result from vortex shedding induced across-wind oscillations. This form of excitation is most pronounced for relatively flexible, lightweight and lightly damped structures of compact, constant cross section located in relatively open terrain. This paper discusses aerodynamic means for mitigating the across-wind vortex shedding induced excitation in such situations. Emphasis is on changes of the building cross section rather than possible spoilers as used to control the response of chimney stacks. A particularly effective method is to design the building with openings from side to side which provide pressure equalization and tend to reduce the effectiveness of across-wind forces by reducing their magnitudes and disrupting their spatial correlation. Results of wind tunnel tests are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique.

Subject Headings: Building design | Wind engineering | Wind tunnel | Dynamic structural analysis | Aerodynamics | Wind forces | Excitation (physics)

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