Adverse Local Wind Loads Induced by Adjacent Building

Abstract

A wind tunnel model study of a building complex comprised of two towers of unusual geometry provides a dramatic example of strong aerodynamic interference effects. Local suction loads predicted to occur once per hundred years in one region increased from 20 psf – 60 psf (958 Pa – 2,874 Pa) when the second tower was added to the complex. The aerodynamic rationale for this particular region and other characteristics of the results are analyzed. The results show that, particularly for buildings of unusual geometry, special care should be taken to examine the likely effects of current and future environments.