Aerodynamic Databases and Electronic Standards for Windloads

Published

August 1, 1998

Author(s)

T Whalen, Emil Simiu, G Harris, J Y. Lin, D Surry

Abstract

As part of ongoing National Institute of Standards and Technology research on the development of a new generation of standard provisions for wind loads, we present results of a pilot project on the knowledge-based estimation of wind-induced bending moments in low-rise building frames. We use records of wind pressure time histories measured at a large number of taps on the building surface in the Boundary Layer Wind tunnel of the University of Western Ontario. Time histories of internal forces in a frame are obtained by adding pressures at all taps tributary to that frame multiplied by the respective tributary areas and influence coefficients. The latter were obtained from frame designs provided by CECO Building Systems. We compare results obtained by using the pressure time history records with results based on ASCE 7 standard provisions. The comparison shows clearly that provisions which use aerodynamic databases containing the type of data described in this work can result in designs that are significantly more risk-consistent as well as both safer and more economical than designs based on conventional standard provisions. We outline future research on improved design methodologies made possible by the knowledge-based approach to wind loading standardization. Finally, we note that knowledge-based methodologies may be used for damage assessment for insurance purposes.

Proceedings Title

U.S./Japan Natural Resources Development Program (UJNR). Wind and Seismic Effects. Joint Meeting of the U.S./JapanCooperative Program in Natural Resources Panel on Wind and Seismic Effects

Conference Dates

May 12-15, 1998

Conference Location

Undefined

Conference Title

U.S.-Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources; Panel on Wind and Seismic Effects (UJNR)

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

aerodynamics, building codes, building technology, standards, structural engineering, wind engineering

Citation

Whalen, T. , Simiu, E. , Harris, G. , Lin, J. and Surry, D. (1998), Aerodynamic Databases and Electronic Standards for Windloads, U.S./Japan Natural Resources Development Program (UJNR). Wind and Seismic Effects. Joint Meeting of the U.S./JapanCooperative Program in Natural Resources Panel on Wind and Seismic Effects, Undefined (Accessed April 19, 2024)