Numerical Prediction of Wind-induced Internal Pressure on a Model Low-rise Building in Nigeria

Abstract

Wind normally induces both external and internal pressures on buildings which may cause great instability of structures. These induced pressures in turn contribute to the total wind load of the building. Appropriate prediction of this induced pressure can be found effective in the prevention of building failures. In this study, the prediction of wind-induced internal pressure on a model low-rise building in Nigeria was carried out by numerical analysis. The test was carried out on a computational model of a building using ANSYS FLUENT software. The Renormalization Group k-e turbulence model was used to simulate wind impact on the building of size (2.78m x 2.43m x 2.30m) with a gable roof (slope 45°) at incident angles 90° and 45°. A comparative analysis was carried out to distinguish the effect of dominant openings and also the direction of the wind on the induced pressure. Results obtained from the tests were the values of pressure coefficients in the interior of the building which were used to characterize the induced internal pressure. Contours, tables and plots were used as graphical aids for the presentation of results. The inexpensive and less strenuous determination of wind induced pressure using computational fluid dynamics as portrayed in this work thus prove the effectiveness of numerical prediction as a precautionary method for the preliminary design of buildings.