The role of structural materials and forms

Abstract

Aerodynamic and wind effects are governing factors in the strength and stability of many structures and buildings; the important aerodynamic loads arise not only from severe, short-period gusts but also from sustained, less-severe, wind loads. The material properties required to resist these loads are not only static strength, strength under repeated loads, stiffnes sand structural damping, but also long-term integrity of structural form; the need for durability of structural form is one of the limitations in developing the relatively low-grade materials used at present in buildings. The general conclusion of the paper is that in combating aerodynamic and wind effects, there is probably greater scope at present in devising more suitable structural forms within the limits of existing materials, rather than expecting a radical improvement of materials themselves. Much is now known of the best forms for tall structures, such as chimneys, masts and cooling towers; the multi-storey building has been studied extensively in recent years, and more efficient forms for these could probably now be devised. Knowledge of local wind-loads on structures—as, for example, wind-load concentrations at the corners of rectangular, tall blocks—has advanced considerably in recent years, and these again suggest improvements of structural forms to avoid local structural damage.