Laser positioning measurement system for wind tunnel studies of structures

Abstract

A new technique known as the Laser Positioning System (LPS)was developed for the wind induced motion measurements of aeroelastic models of tall buildings and floating platforms in the NUS-HDB wind tunnel. The new technique provides a faster and easier measurement of such motions. The accuracy of the technique was verified by comparing the experimental results of the CAARC standard tall building model with that involving the conventional strain gauge and also with the previously published results of the experiments carried out in other wind tunnels. The application of the new technique was demonstrated by measuring the relative motion of two neighboring tower models of a seven 48-story building complex and simultaneously measuring the longitudinal, lateral and twisting motions of a tall building model. The wind-induced motion of a house model on a floating platform in shallow water was also studied using the new technique.