Aerodynamic analysis of pentagon-shaped tall buildings

Abstract

Tall buildings are highly susceptible to wind loads. Hence wind loads have to be properly assessed in design of tall buildings. Aerodynamic modifications are very useful tools in mitigating wind loads. The purpose of this research is to study the efficiency of aerodynamic modifications applied on a pentagonal-plan shaped model by computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation using the software package ANSYS CFX. Corner modifications like chamfered, recessed, rounded and aerodynamic forms like setback and tapering are taken into study. Coefficients of force and pressure as well as the dynamic behaviour of the models are used to study the efficiency. The study revealed that the chamfered model is the most efficient corner modification in mitigating wind loads in terms of pressure and force coefficients, as well as showing excellent dynamic performance. The study also revealed that tapered model was better in reducing pressure and force coefficients during static analysis among aerodynamic forms. The dynamic analysis also showed similar pattern except for peak frequency, for which setback model was best.