A parametric analysis of wind effects on tall buildings according to European, American, and Australian standards

Abstract

As the construction industry is booming day by day all around the world and different codes are followed in different countries. There is a need in the construction industry to compare the various effects of wind loads on tall buildings by using different codes and different approaches. A parametric analysis of the wind effects will be done on tall buildings using different international codes and standards. The results will then be compared using Excel computer programs to find out the similarities and differences in various approaches. Wind load estimation is a lengthy process due to this reason various institutions publish their own research and standard procedures for wind load applications on various structures. Wind load calculations consider various factors include i.e., wind speed, effective wind speed, orography factors, dynamic factors, gust loading factors, and shape factors. These all factors are different in various design codes. A comparative study was published in 2013 (Kareemb, 2013) which compared these factors given in different international codes.  After a detailed literature review, a requirement for wind analysis on a full-scale model arises using different international codes to understand the wind loading effects in more detail and to make a comparison. The main objective of this research is to create a clear comparison of the various international wind codes after applying them to a common model to see the differences and similarities. As the UK is highly subjected to high winds so a lot of damage has been done each year due to storms and winds. Although BS and National Annex to Eurocodes (BS EN 1993-1-4) provide a sufficient level of safety against wind loads. But a comparison with other international codes may increase safety as well and minimize the costs of the projects.