The effect of aerodynamic interference on the dynamic response of prismatic structures

Abstract

The interference and proximity effects on the dynamic response of prismatic bluff bodies are investigated in a series of wind tunnel tests. The results show that the presence of a single, or a pair of upstream prisms of the same size can increase the interaction factor. The effects are more pronounced in a boundary layer flow with a lower level of turbulence, especially near the reduced velocity of 5. The measurements in the wake of the upstream prism suggest that in a boundary layer flow with low turbulence the wake has well-correlated fluctuations that cause adverse load effects on the downstream prism. The strength of these wake fluctuations is dampened by addition of incident turbulence. The study suggests that the mutual interference and proximity effects on the dynamics of tall buildings would be more pronounced for a group of tall buildings in coastal areas exposed to the oceanfront, followed by suburban locations and, to a lesser degree, urban areas.