Field Tests on a Full-Scale Steel Chimney Subjected to Vortex-Induced Vibrations

Abstract

Industrial chimneys, launch vehicles and stacks are examples of large diameter circular cross section structures that can be prone to cross-wind vortex-induced vibration (VIV). VIV has been extensively studied for both fundamental and applied issues, but few documented studies concern high Reynolds number regimes (> 5 × 105) in atmospheric turbulent wind. This paper introduces a field test on a slender light and low damped chimney designed to experience “super-critical” VIV at moderate wind velocity. The chimney was recently erected in a wind monitored field, near the Atlantic coast of France. The purpose of this paper is to present the first vibration results obtained during a sequential 13-day period in September 2020. A statistical analysis has been performed on the amplitude and dominant frequency responses and results are reported in term of probability distribution as a function of wind speed and direction. VIV events of low (<15% of diameter) to moderate amplitude (>30% of diameter) have been highlighted in a range of wind velocity 25% lower than expected, along with significant influence of the wind direction – low turbulence easterly wind giving vortex-induced vibrations with the highest amplitude.