Computer-based model for the transient dynamics of a tall building during digitally simulated Andrews AFB thunderstorm

Abstract

Thunderstorm downbursts are near ground-level meteorological hazards, exhibiting transient, non-synoptic, short-duration and high intensity wind velocities. Winds can induce nonstationary loads and large-amplitude dynamic response in a slender vertical structure. The thunderstorm-induced response against non-synoptic wind loads is extremely complex and cannot be investigated by conventional wind analysis approaches. This study examines the thunderstorm-induced dynamic response of tall buildings. The wind load is based on the observation of the Andrews Air Force Base (AFB) thunderstorm. The main objectives are to: (i) reconstruct the Andrews thunderstorm wind speed record and replicate structure, lifecycle and the fundamental wind parameters, (ii) digitally synthesize the non-turbulent and turbulent velocities to derive aerodynamic loads on a reference tall building, (iii) formulate the thunderstorm-induced dynamics of the tall building subjected to the Andrews thunderstorm-induced downburst loads, and (iv) investigate the response of a tall building by considering two different plausible scenarios. Some unanswered scientific questions are investigated: uncertainty in vertical wind velocity profiles, abrupt change of wind direction angles and influence of crosswind velocities. Three amplitude modulation functions are employed to simulate the transient turbulent field observed during the Andrews thunderstorm. Numerical simulations analyze the dynamic response of the 183-m CAARC tall building.