Wind Effects on Tall Buildings

Today's skyscrapers are reaching greater heights which, increases their sensitivity to wind effects and its potential impact on serviceability and occupant comfort. Therefore, designers are faced with the challenge to accurately predict building response and to ensure that survivability, serviceability, and habitability criteria are satisfied. This places an emphasis on prediction, and the implied need for predictive tools. Empirical models, finite element computer models, and other analysis tools have been combined with scaled model wind tunnel testing to predict wind loads on structures and associated response. This study focuses on benchmarking these predictive tools and procedures against the actual full-scale response of completed buildings, which is one of a continuing series of studies in this overall research program. While the major focus of the study is on the behavior of structural systems, the performance of building cladding is also examined in light of its vulnerability to extreme winds.