Full-scale monitoring of wind effects on a supertall structure during six tropical cyclones

Abstract

Full-scale measurements under real wind conditions are viewed as the most reliable approach to investigating the wind effects on supertall structures. However, long-term monitoring on wind characteristics at the maximum atmospheric boundary layer height and the corresponding wind-induced responses of structures are very limited, especially under strong tropical cyclones. In this study, field monitoring of wind effects on a 600 m high supertall structure is obtained during 6 tropical cyclones by means of a sophisticated long-term structural health monitoring (SHM) system deployed on the structure. Wind characteristics (wind speed, direction, turbulence intensity, gust factor, power spectral density) of these tropical cyclones above 450 m height are presented and analyzed. The dynamic properties of the supertall structure are determined from the field measurements and compared with those stipulated in design. The damping ratios of the supertall structure are estimated by the virtual dynamic shaker (VDS) and the enhanced virtual dynamic shaker (EVDS) methods. In addition, the response amplitude-dependence of the structural natural frequencies and damping ratios is investigated. Finally, the comfort performance of the supertall structure during different tropical cyclones is assessed against four comfort criteria. The findings of this study would be beneficial to professionals and researchers engaged in wind-resistant design and practice of skyscrapers.