Wind-Load Calculation Program for Rectangular Buildings Based on Wind Tunnel Experimental Data for Preliminary Structural Designs

Abstract

In this study, we developed a wind load calculation program (WCP) capable of predicting wind loads with relative precision during the preliminary design phase. First, wind tunnel tests were conducted to identify the essential factors necessary for calculating wind loads and the variables influencing these factors. Square building shapes were considered, and the wind force coefficients and power spectral density were measured by combining four ground roughness values, eleven side ratios (D/B), four aspect ratios (H/BD), and wind directions ranging from 0° to 90°. The wind power coefficient and the spectral coefficient were formulated so that the wind load could be calculated according to various conditions. The WCP computations were based on the calculation of the load combination coefficient using the resonant wind load. Finally, the wind loads obtained from the wind tunnel tests were compared with those predicted by the WCP using an actual project model (inner-core (A) and outer-core (B) types). Building A yielded similar WCP and wind tunnel experimental responses when subjected to wind and laminar wind loads. Additionally, Building B yielded a larger error than that of Building A, but similar results were obtained when buildings were subjected to combination and laminar wind loads.