Field measurements of wind pressures on a 600 m high skyscraper during a landfall typhoon and comparison with wind tunnel test

Abstract

As high-rise structures are constantly emerging worldwide, wind effects on wind-sensitive structures are correspondingly getting increasing concerns, especially in tropic cyclone prone areas. This paper presents the analyzed results from field measurements of wind effects on a 600 m high skyscraper located in Shenzhen during a landfall typhoon. Field monitoring of wind-induced pressures on the skyscraper was conducted by a structural health monitoring system. The major objective of this study is to further understand typhoon-generated wind pressures on super-tall buildings. In addition, wind tunnel test of simultaneous pressure measurements on the building model was performed. Full-scale and wind tunnel measurements of wind-induced pressures on windward, leeward and side faces of the super-tall building were analyzed and compared. A whole range of characteristic properties, including pressure coefficient, probability distribution, peak factor, power spectral density, and correlation of cladding pressures were presented and discussed. The findings of this study are expected to be of interest and practical use to professional and researchers involved in the wind-resistant designs of super-tall buildings in tropic cyclone prone regions.