Cladding pressure and load characteristics of a tall building under a simulated tornado-like vortex: An experimental study

Abstract

Tornadoes, characterized by their destructive wind forces and unpredictable nature, pose a significant threat to tall buildings. Understanding the cladding pressure distribution on tall buildings during tornado events is crucial for designing these structures that can withstand extreme forces. The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the aerodynamic loads and cladding pressure characteristics of a tall building in a tornado by employing an aeroelastic model under a laboratory-simulated tornado at Iowa State University-Tornado Simulator (ISU-TS) facility. This study utilizes a 1:350 scale model of a tapered tall building with a circular cross-section to evaluate the dynamic loads and pressure distribution along the height and perimeter of the building during a stationary and translating tornado. Particular attention has been given to study the correlation of aerodynamic loads as a function of the radial distance from the tornado core, with the comparison of results between the stationary and translating tornado cases. The results indicate that peak aerodynamic loads on the tall building model occur once the tornado has passed the building's center. Correlation analysis shows that cross-correlation coefficient values of aerodynamic forces decrease more significantly with increasing radial distance from the tornado's core. Wavelet analysis results indicate that the critical time period, where peak aerodynamic forces occur, differs between the two directions, implying the building's vulnerability to peak loads is direction dependent.