Interference effects mapping on the static wind loading of a tall building

Abstract

Wind-induced loading on buildings may be altered due to presence of upwind structures. These variations are quantified by the interference factors (IFs), which is determined experimentally for each case analyzed, since obtaining this quantification in codes and standards is still impractical due to the complexity of the multi-parameters involved. To understand the influence of some of these parameters on the interference effects, contour plots and power spectra density were presented for IFs corresponding to aerodynamic coefficients of the along-wind and cross-wind force, as well as for torsion. Wind tunnel tests were conducted applying the synchronous pressure measurement technique. Interference arrangements with one and two upstream interfering buildings were investigated for different wind angles, relative positions and terrain roughness. Results indicate that the shielding effect is predominant in most of the studied cases. Nevertheless, the amplification effects are generally present in specific configurations and are usually caused by channeling and buffeting effects, as well as vortex shedding.