An experimental technique for distribution of dynamic wind loads on tall buildings

Abstract

An experimental technique to determine the distribution of wind loads along the height of a slender and tall building has been presented using an aeroelastic model which simulates the correct mode shape of the prototype. The dynamic pressures acting on the model have been measured simultaneously from two pressure tappings at a time to compute the auto and cross power spectral densities, from which the modal force and, hence, the acceleration at any height is computed to determine the distribution of dynamic shear and moment. The technique could also be implemented using a rigid model when the motion of the building is not expected to modify the pressure distribution significantly. Since simultaneous measurements of pressures from all the tappings are not required, the proposed technique can be easily implemented in any wind tunnel laboratory. © 1992.