A Comparative Study of Aerodynamic Coefficients on Tall Structures using Experimental Studies with International Codes and Standards

Abstract

This paper illustrates the comparison of aerodynamic forces and coefficients on rectangular tall buildings. The forces and coefficients were obtained using Wind Tunnel Experiment and various international code provisions and standards. Rectangular tall building models selected for the study were made of acrylic sheets with various geometric scales. The models were tested using low-speed wind tunnel for various angles of incidents of wind varying from 0° to 90°. Drag coefficients obtained from experiments were compared with values of mean drag coefficients obtained from codes and practices, (a) IS: 875(Part3): Wind Loads on Buildings and Structures (India, 2015), (b) AS/NZS1170.2:2011, the combined Australia/New Zealand Standard on Wind Actions (Standards Australia,2011); (c) ASCE7–10 (ASCE, 2010); and (d) HKCoP-2019, the Code of Practice on Wind Effects in Hong Kong, (Buildings Department HongKong, 2019). Buildings with the same plan aspect ratio show the same aerodynamic behaviour. Wind tunnel study over-predicts the coefficient values compared to standards and practices. The average coefficient of drag values from codes is in good agreement with wind tunnel data with a deviation of less than 15%. The study also includes an examination of parameters such as pitching moment and its coefficient.