Full-scale testing to determine the wind loads on free-standing walls

Abstract

Recent developments in the wind loading codes for the UK, Australia and Europe have introduced new, more onerous, pressure coefficient data for the design of free-standing walls. These data, derived from wind-tunnel studies conducted in the mid 1980s in the UK and Australia, have been called into question by various interested parties. In the summer of 1993, a 3 yr research programme was initiated to undertake an independent, full-scale study of the wind pressures on free-standing walls in order to critically appraise the new data and to determine; reliable design data. The full-scale, variable-geometry experimental facility which includes automatic, rapid, data-logging instrumentation is described. Results obtained in the first year of measurements are presented which reveal the significance of wall length, position along the wall, wind direction and the presence of return corners. Priorities for the future are also outlined.