Showing papers in "Wind and Structures in 2010"

Strong wind climatic zones in South Africa

Abstract: In this paper South Africa is divided into strong wind climate zones, which indicate the main sources of annual maximum wind gusts. By the analysis of wind gust data of 94 weather stations, which had continuous climate time series of 10 years or longer, six sources, or strong-wind producing mechanisms, could be identified and zoned accordingly. The two primary causes of strong wind gusts are thunderstorm activity and extratropical low pressure systems, which are associated with the passage of cold fronts over the southern African subcontinent. Over the eastern and central interior of South Africa annual maximum wind gusts are usually caused by thunderstorm gust fronts during summer, while in the western and southern interior extratropical cyclones play the most dominant role. Along the coast and adjacent interior annual extreme gusts are usually caused by extratropical cyclones. Four secondary sources of strong winds are the ridging of the quasi-stationary Atlantic and Indian Ocean high pressure systems over the subcontinent, surface troughs to the west in the interior with strong ridging from the east, convergence from the interior towards isolated low pressure systems or deep coastal low pressure systems, and deep surface troughs on the West Coast.

Windborne debris risk analysis - Part I. Introduction and methodology

Abstract: Windborne debris is a major cause of structural damage during severe windstorms and hurricanes owing to its direct impact on building envelopes as well as to the \'chain reaction\' failure mechanism it induces by interacting with wind pressure damage. Estimation of debris risk is an important component in evaluating wind damage risk to residential developments. A debris risk model developed by the authors enables one to analytically aggregate damage threats to a building from different types of debris originating from neighboring buildings. This model is extended herein to a general debris risk analysis methodology that is then incorporated into a vulnerability model accounting for the temporal evolution of the interaction between pressure damage and debris damage during storm passage. The current paper (Part I) introduces the debris risk analysis methodology, establishing the mathematical modeling framework. Stochastic models are proposed to estimate the probability distributions of debris trajectory parameters used in the method. It is shown that model statistics can be estimated from available information from wind-tunnel experiments and post-damage surveys. The incorporation of the methodology into vulnerability modeling is described in Part II.

Dynamic characteristics of transmission line conductors and behaviour under turbulent downburst loading

Abstract: During the past decade, many electrical transmission tower structures have failed during downburst events. This study is a part of a research program aimed to understand the behaviour of transmission lines under such localized wind events. The present study focuses on the assessment of the dynamic behaviour of the line conductors under downburst loading. A non-linear numerical model, accounting for large deformations and the effect of pretension loading, is developed and used to predict the natural frequencies and mode shapes of conductors at various loading stages. A turbulence signal is extracted from a set of full-scale data. It is added to the mean component of the downburst wind field previously evaluated from a CFD analysis. Dynamic analysis is performed using various downburst configurations. The study reveals that the response is affected by the background component, while the resonant component turns to be negligible due large aerodynamic damping of the conductors.

Windborne debris risk analysis - Part II. Application to structural vulnerability modeling

Abstract: The \'chain reaction\' effect of the interaction between wind pressure and windborne debris is likely to be a major cause of damage to residential buildings during severe wind events. The current paper (Part II) concerns the quantification of such pressure-debris interaction in an advanced vulnerability model that integrates the debris risk model developed in Part I and a component-based wind-pressure damage model. This vulnerability model may be applied to predict the cumulative wind damage during the passage of particular hurricanes, to estimate annual hurricane losses, or to conduct system reliability analysis for residential developments, with the effect of windborne debris fully considered.

Prevention of suspension bridge flutter using multiple tuned mass dampers

Abstract: The aeroelastic stability of bridge decks equipped with multiple tuned mass dampers is studied. The problem is attacked in the time domain, by representing self-excited loads with the aid of aerodynamic indicial functions approximated by truncated series of exponential filters. This approach allows to reduce the aeroelastic stability analysis in the form of a direct eigenvalue problem, by introducing an additional state variable for each exponential term adopted in the approximation of indicial functions. A general probabilistic framework for the optimal robust design of multiple tuned mass dampers is proposed, in which all possible sources of uncertainties can be accounted for. For the purposes of this study, the method is also simplified in a form which requires a lower computational effort and it is then applied to a general case study in order to analyze the control effectiveness of regular and irregular multiple tuned mass dampers. A special care is devoted to mistuning effects caused by random variations of the target frequency. Regular multiple tuned mass dampers are seen to improve both control effectiveness and robustness with respect to single tuned mass dampers. However, those devices exhibit an asymmetric behavior with respect to frequency mistuning, which may weaken their feasibility for technical applications. In order to overcome this drawback, an irregular multiple tuned mass damper is conceived which is based on unequal mass distribution. The optimal design of this device is finally pursued via a full domain search, which evidences a remarkable robustness against frequency mistuning, in the sense of the simplified design approach.

Wind loading characteristics of super-large cooling towers

Abstract: The aerodynamic and aero-elastic model tests of the China``s highest cooling tower has been carried out in the TJ-3 Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel of Tongji University. By adopting a scanivalve system, the external wind pressure is firstly measured on taps for a single tower, two and four grouped towers under the condition of both smooth flow and the boundary layer due to surrounding geographic and building topography. The measurements of internal wind pressure distribution of taps are taken for a single tower under the various ventilation ratios ranging from 0% to 100% of stuffing layers located at the bottom of the tower. In the last stage, the wind tunnel tests with an aero-elastic model are carefully conducted to determine wind-induced displacements at six levels (each with eight points) with laser displacement sensors. According to the measurement results of wind pressure or vibration response, the extreme aerodynamic loading values of the single or grouped towers are accordingly analyzed based on probability correlation technique.

Effects of taper and set-back on wind force and wind-induced response of tall buildings

Abstract: Advances in structural materials and construction methods have resulted in flexible and light tall buildings, making an assessment of structural safety during strong wind and serviceability/habitability during comparable medium/weak wind important design criteria. So far, lots of studies on suppressing the wind-induced responses have been carried out for tall buildings with aerodynamic modification. Most of the studies on aerodynamic modification have forced on the corner modification, while the studies on taper and set-back are limited. Changes of sectional shape through taper and set-back can modify the flow pattern around the models, encouraging more 3-dimensionalities, which results in reducing the wind-induced excitations. This paper discusses the characteristics of overturning moments and wind-induced responses of the tall buildings with height variations. The reduction of mean along-wind and fluctuating across-wind overturning moments are apparent in the suburban area than in urban area. A series of the response analyses, the rms displacement responses of the tall buildings with height variations are reduced greatly, while the rms acceleration responses are not necessarily reduced, showing dependences on wind direction.

Finite element modelling of transmission line structures under tornado wind loading

Abstract: The majority of weather-related failures of transmission line structures that have occurred in the past have been attributed to high intensity localized wind events, in the form of tornadoes and downbursts. A numerical scheme is developed in the current study to assess the performance of transmission lines under tornado wind load events. The tornado wind field is based on a model scale Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis that was conducted and validated in a previous study. Using field measurements and code specifications, the CFD model data is used to estimate the wind fields for F4 and F2 full scale tornadoes. The wind forces associated with these tornado fields are evaluated and later incorporated into a nonlinear finite element three-dimensional model for the transmission line system, which includes a simulation for the towers and the conductors. A comparison is carried between the forces in the members resulting from the tornadoes, and those obtained using the conventional design wind loads. The study reveals the importance of considering tornadoes when designing transmission line structures.

Wind tunnel modeling of flow over mountainous valley terrain

Abstract: Wind tunnel experiments were conducted to investigate the wind characteristics in the mountainous valley terrain with 4 simplified valley models and a 1:500 scale model of an existing valley terrain in the simulated atmospheric neutral boundary layer model. Measurements were focused on the mean wind flow and longitudinal turbulence intensity. The relationship between hillside slopes and the velocity speed-up effect were studied. By comparing the preliminary results obtained from the simplified valley model tests and the existing terrain model test, some fundamental information was obtained. The measured results indicate that it is inappropriate to describe the mean wind velocity profiles by a power law using the same roughness exponent along the span wise direction in the mountainous valley terrain. The speed-up effect and the significant change in wind direction of the mean flow were observed, which provide the information necessary for determining the design wind speed such as for a long-span bridge across the valley. The longitudinal turbulence intensity near the ground level is reduced due to the speed-up effect of the valley terrain. However, the local topographic features of a more complicated valley terrain may cause significant perturbation to the general wind field characteristics in the valley.

Windborne debris and damage risk models: a review

Abstract: This review paper discusses research from the last few years relating to windborne debris risk models and the essential elements of engineering damage prediction models. Generic types of windborne debris are discussed. The results of studies of debris trajectories that are relevant to damage models are described - in particular the horizontal component of debris velocity as a function of distance travelled. The merits of impact momentum versus impact kinetic energy as a relevant parameter for predicting damage are considered, and how published data from generic cannon Impact tests can be used in risk models. The quantitative variation of debris impact damage with wind speed is also discussed. Finally the main elements of previously-proposed debris damage models are described.

Effects of wind direction on the flight trajectories of roof sheathing panels under high winds

Abstract: By using the \'failure\' model approach, the effects of wind direction on the flight of sheathing panels from the roof of a model house in extreme winds was investigated. A complex relationship between the initial conditions, failure velocities, flight trajectories and speeds was observed. It was found that the local flow field above the roof and in the wake of the house have important effects on the flight of the panels. For example, when the initial panel location is oblique to the wind direction and in the region of separated flow near the roof edge, the panels do not fly from the roof since the resultant aerodynamic forces are small, even though the pressure coefficients at failure are high. For panels that do fly, wake effects from the building are a source of significant variation of flight trajectories and speeds. It was observed that the horizontal velocities of the panels span a range of about 20% ? 95% of the roof height gust speed at failure. Numerical calculations assuming uniform, smooth flow appear to be useful for determining panel speeds; in particular, using the mean roof height, 3 sec gust speed provides a useful upper bound for determining panel speeds for the configuration examined. However, there are significant challenges for estimating trajectories using this method.

Assessment of capacity curves for transmission line towers under wind loading

Abstract: The recommended factored design wind load effects for overhead lattice transmission line towers by codes and standards are evaluated based on the applicable wind load factor, gust response factor and design wind speed. The current factors and design wind speed were developed considering linear elastic responses and selected notional target safety levels. However, information on the nonlinear inelastic responses of such towers under extreme dynamic wind loading, and on the structural capacity curves of the towers in relation to the design capacities, is lacking. The knowledge and assessment of the capacity curve, and its relation to the design strength, is important to evaluate the integrity and reliability of these towers. Such an assessment was performed in the present study, using a nonlinear static pushover (NSP) analysis and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA), both of which are commonly used in earthquake engineering. For the IDA, temporal and spatially varying wind speeds are simulated based on power spectral density and coherence functions. Numerical results show that the structural capacity curves of the tower determined from the NSP analysis depend on the load pattern, and that the curves determined from the nonlinear static pushover analysis are similar to those obtained from IDA.

Computational assessment of blockage and wind simulator proximity effects for a new full-scale testing facility

Abstract: A new full scale testing apparatus generically named the Wall of Wind (WoW) has been built by the researchers at the International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) at Florida International University (FIU). WoW is capable of testing single story building models subjected up to category 3 hurricane wind speeds. Depending on the relative model and WoW wind field sizes, testing may entail blockage issues. In addition, the proximity of the test building to the wind simulator may also affect the aerodynamic data. This study focuses on the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) assessment of the effects on the quality of the aerodynamic data of (i) blockage due to model buildings of various sizes and (ii) wind simulator proximity for various distances between the wind simulator and the test building. The test buildings were assumed to have simple parallelepiped shapes. The computer simulations were performed under both finite WoW wind-field conditions and in an extended Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) wind flow. Mean pressure coefficients for the roof and the windward and leeward walls served as measures of the blockage and wind simulator proximity effects. The study uses the commercial software FLUENT with Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes equations and a Renormalization Group (RNG) k- turbulence model. The results indicated that for larger size test specimens (i.e. for cases where the height of test specimen is larger than one third of the wind field height) blockage correction may become necessary. The test specimen should also be placed at a distance greater than twice the height of the test specimen from the fans to reduce proximity effect.

A numerical simulation of flow field in a wind farm on complex terrain

Abstract: A three-dimensional flow simulation was performed to investigate the wind flow around wind-power generation facilities on mountainous area of complex terrain. A digital map of eastern mountainous area of Korea including a wind farm was used to model actual complex terrain. Rotating wind turbines in the wind farm were also modeled in the computational domain with detailed geometry of blade by using the frozen rotor method. Wind direction and speed to be used as a boundary condition were taken from local meteorological reports. The numerical results showed not only details of flow distribution in the wind farm but also the variation in the performance of the wind turbines due to the installed location of the turbines on complex terrain. The wake effect of the upstream turbine on the performance of the downstream one was also examined. The methodology presented in this study may be used in selecting future wind farm site and wind turbine locations in the selected site for possible maximum power generation.

CFD modelling of free-flight and auto-rotation of plate type debris

Abstract: This paper describes the use of coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Rigid Body Dynamics (RBD) in modelling the aerodynamic behaviour of wind-borne plate type objects. Unsteady 2D and 3D Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) CFD models are used to simulate the unsteady and non-uniform flow field surrounding static, forced rotating, auto-rotating and free-flying plates. The auto-rotation phenomenon itself is strongly influenced by vortex shedding, and the realisable k-epsilon turbulence modelling approach is used, with a second order implicit time advancement scheme and equal or higher order advection schemes for the flow variables. Sequentially coupling the CFD code with a RBD solver allows a more detailed modelling of the Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) behaviour of the plate and how this influences plate motion. The results are compared against wind tunnel experiments on auto-rotating plates and an existing 3D analytical model.

Aerodynamic forces on fixed and rotating plates

Abstract: Pressure measurements on static and autorotating flat plates have been recently reported by Lin et al. (2006), Holmes, et al. (2006), and Richards, et al. (2008), amongst others. In general, the variation of the normal force with respect to the angle of attack appears to stall in the mid attack angle range with a large scale separation in the wake. To date however, no surface pressures have been measured on auto-rotating plates that are typical of a certain class of debris. This paper presents the results of an experiment to measure the aerodynamic forces on a flat plate held stationary at different angles to the flow and allowing the plate to auto-rotate. The forces were determined through the measurement of differential pressures on either side of the plate with internally mounted pressure transducers and data logging systems. Results are presented for surface pressure distributions and overall integrated forces and moments on the plates in coefficient form. Computed static force coefficients show the stall effect at the mid range angle of attack and some variation for different Reynolds numbers. Normal forces determined from autorotational experiments are higher than the static values at most pitch angles over a cycle. The resulting moment coefficient does not compare well with current analytical formulations which suggest the existence of a flow mechanism that cannot be completely described through static tests.

Scaling methods for wind tunnel modelling of building internal pressures induced through openings

Abstract: Appropriate scaling methods for wind tunnel modelling of building internal pressures induced through a dominant opening were investigated. In particular, model cavity volume distortion and geometric scaling of the opening details were studied. It was found that while model volume distortion may be used to scale down buildings for wind tunnel studies on internal pressure, the implementation of the added volume must be done with care so as not to create two cavity resonance systems. Incorrect scaling of opening details was also found to generate incorrect internal pressure characteristics. Furthermore, the effective air slug or jet was found to be longer when the opening was near a floor or sidewall as evidenced by somewhat lower Helmholtz frequencies. It is also shown that tangential flow excitation of Helmholtz resonance for off-centre openings in normal flow is also possible.

Physical modelling of a downdraft outflow with a slot jet

Abstract: This article provides a time-resolved characterisation of the wind field in a recently-commissioned, downdraft outflow simulator at The University of Western Ontario. A large slot jet approach to physical simulation was used. The simulator performance was assessed against field observations from a 2002 downdraft outflow near Lubbock, Texas. Outflow wind speed records were decomposed according to classical time series analysis. Length scales, characterising the coarse and fine flow structure, were determined from the time-varying mean and residual components, respectively. The simulated downdraft outflow was approximately 1200 times smaller in spatial extent than the 2002 Lubbock event.

Assessment of vertical wind loads on lattice framework with application to thunderstorm winds

Abstract: The focus of this article is on the assessment of vertical wind vector components and their aerodynamic impact on lattice framework, specifically two distinct sections of a guyed transmission tower. Thunderstorm winds, notably very localized events such as convective downdrafts (including downbursts) and tornadoes, result in a different load on a tower structural system in terms of magnitude and spatial distribution when compared to horizontal synoptic winds. Findings of previous model-scale experiments are outlined and their results considered for the development of a testing rig that allows for rotation about multiple body axes through a series of wind tunnel tests. Experimental results for the wind loads on two unique experimental models are presented and the difference in behaviour discussed. For a model cross arm with a solidity ratio of approximately 30%, the drag load was increased by 14% when at a pitch angle of 20o. Although the effects of rotation about the vertical body axis, or the traditional angle of attack, are recognized by design codes as being significant, provisions for vertical winds are absent from each set of wind loading specifications examined. The inclusion of a factor to relate winds with a vertical component to the horizontal speed is evaluated as a vertical wind factor applicable to load calculations. Member complexity and asymmetric geometry often complicate the use of lattice wind loading provisions, which is a challenge that extends to future studies and codification. Nevertheless, the present work is intended to establish a basis for such studies.

Large eddy simulation of wind effects on a super-tall building

Abstract: A new inflow turbulence generation method and a combined dynamic SGS model recently developed by the authors were applied to evaluate the wind effects on 508 m high Taipei 101 Tower. Unlike the majority of the past studies on large eddy simulation (LES) of wind effects on tall buildings, the present numerical simulations were conducted for the full-scale tall building with Reynolds number greater than 108. The inflow turbulent flow field was generated based on the new method called discretizing and synthesizing of random flow generation technique (DSRFG) with a prominent feature that the generated wind velocity fluctuations satisfy any target spectrum and target profiles of turbulence intensity and turbulence integral length scale. The new dynamic SGS model takes both advantages of oneequation SGS model and a dynamic production term without test-filtering operation, which is particular suitable to relative coarse grid situations and high Reynolds number flows. The results of comparative investigations with and without generation of inflow turbulence show that: (1) proper simulation of an inflow turbulent field is essential in accurate evaluation of dynamic wind loads on a tall building and the prescribed inflow turbulence characteristics can be adequately imposed on the inflow boundary by the DSRFG method; (2) the DSRFG can generate a large number of random vortex-like patterns in oncoming flow, leading to good agreements of both mean and dynamic forces with wind tunnel test results; (3) The dynamic mechanism of the adopted SGS model behaves adequately in the present LES and its integration with the DSRFG technique can provide satisfactory predictions of the wind effects on the super-tall building.

Study on the micro-scale simulation of wind field over complex terrain by RAMS/FLUENT modeling system

Abstract: A meteorological model, RAMS, and a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, FLUENT are combined as a one-way off-line nested modeling system, namely, RAMS/FLUENT system. The system is experimentally applied in the wind simulation over a complex terrain, with which numerical simulations of wind field over Foyeding weather station located in the northwest mountainous area of Beijing metropolis are performed. The results show that the method of combining a meteorological model and a CFD model as a modeling system is reasonable. In RAMS/FLUENT system, more realistic boundary conditions are provided for FLUENT rather than idealized vertical wind profiles, and the finite volume method (FVM) of FLUENT ensures the capability of the modeling system on describing complex terrain in the simulation. Thus, RAMS/FLUENT can provide fine-scale realistic wind data over complex terrains.

Large eddy simulation of wind loads on a long-span spatial lattice roof

Abstract: The 486m-long roof of Shenzhen Citizens Centre is one of the world`s longest spatial lattice roof structures. A comprehensive numerical study of wind effects on the long-span structure is presented in this paper. The discretizing and synthesizing of random flow generation technique (DSRFG) recently proposed by two of the authors (Huang and Li 2008) was adopted to produce a spatially correlated turbulent inflow field for the simulation study. The distributions and characteristics of wind loads on the roof were numerically evaluated by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods, in which Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes Equations (RANS) Model were employed. The main objective of this study is to explore a useful approach for estimations of wind effects on complex curved roof by CFD techniques. In parallel with the numerical investigation, simultaneous pressure measurements on the entire roof were made in a boundary layer wind tunnel to determine mean, fluctuating and peak pressure coefficient distributions, and spectra, spatial correlation coefficients and probability characteristics of pressure fluctuations. Numerical results were then compared with these experimentally determined data for validating the numerical methods. The comparative study demonstrated that the LES integrated with the DSRFG technique could provide satisfactory prediction of wind effects on the long-span roof with complex shape, especially on separation zones along leading eaves where the worst negative wind-induced pressures commonly occur. The recommended LES and inflow turbulence generation technique as well as associated numerical treatments are useful for structural engineers to assess wind effects on a long-span roof at its design stage.

New estimation methodology of six complex aerodynamic admittance functions

Abstract: This paper describes a new method for the estimation of six complex aerodynamic admittance functions. The aerodynamic admittance functions relate buffeting forces to the incoming wind turbulent components, of which the estimation accuracy affects the prediction accuracy of the buffeting response of long-span bridges. There should be two aerodynamic admittance functions corresponding to the longitudinal and vertical turbulent components, respectively, for each gust buffeting force. Therefore, there are six aerodynamic admittance functions in all for the three buffeting forces. Sears function is a complex theoretical expression for the aerodynamic admittance function for a thin airfoil. Similarly, the aerodynamic admittance functions for a bridge deck should also be complex functions. This paper presents a separated frequency-by-frequency method for estimating the six complex aerodynamic admittance functions. A new experimental methodology using an active turbulence generator is developed to measure simultaneously all the six complex aerodynamic admittance functions. Wind tunnel tests of a thin plate model and a streamlined bridge section model are conducted in turbulent flow. The six complex aerodynamic admittance functions, determined by the developed methodology are compared with the Sears functions and Davenport`s formula.

Study of structural parameters on the aerodynamic stability of three-tower suspension bridge

Abstract: In comparison with the common two-tower suspension bridge, due to the lack of effective longitudinal restraint of the center tower, the three-tower suspension bridge becomes a structural system with greater flexibility, and more susceptible to the wind action. By taking a three-tower suspension bridge-the Taizhou Bridge over the Yangtze River with two main spans of 1080 m as example, effects of structural parameters including the cable sag to span ratio, the side to main span ratio, the deck`s dead load, the deck`s bearing system, longitudinal structural form of the center tower and the cable system on the aerodynamic stability of the bridge are investigated numerically by 3D nonlinear aerodynamic stability analysis, the favorable structural system of three-tower suspension bridge with good wind stability is discussed. The results show that good aerodynamic stability can be obtained for three-tower suspension bridge as the cable sag to span ratio is assumed ranging from 1/10 to 1/11, the central buckle are provided between main cables and the deck at midpoint of main spans, the longitudinal bending stiffness of the center tower is strengthened, and the spatial cable system or double cable system is employed.

Construction quality issues in performance-based wind engineering: effect of missing fasteners

Abstract: In light-frame wood construction, missing roof-sheathing fasteners can be a relatively common occurrence. This type of construction makes up the vast majority of the residential building stock in North America and thus their performance in high winds, including hurricanes, is of concern due to their sheer number. Construction quality issues are common in these types of structures primarily because the majority are conventionally constructed and unlike steel and reinforced concrete structures, inspection is minimal except in certain areas of the country. The concept of performance-based wind engineering (PBWE), a relatively new paradigm, relies on the assumption that building performance under wind loads can be accurately modeled. However, the discrepancy between what is designed (and modeled) and what is built (the as-built) may make application of PBWE to light-frame wood buildings quite difficult. It can be concluded from this study that construction quality must be controlled for realistic application of PBWE to light-frame wood buildings.

CFD practical application in conceptual design of a 425 m cable-stayed bridge

Abstract: CFD techniques try to find their way in the bridge engineering realm nowadays. However, there are certain fields where they offer superior performance such as conceptual bridge design and bidding design. The CFD studies carried out for the conceptual design of a 425 m length cable-stayed bridge are presented. A CFD commercial package has been employed to obtain for a set of cross-sections the aerodynamic coefficients considering 2D steady state. Additionally, for those cross-sections which showed adequate force coefficients, unsteady 2D simulations were carried out to detect the risk of vortex shedding. Based upon these computations the effect on the aerodynamic behavior of the deck cross-section caused by a number of modifications has been evaluated. As a consequence, a new more feasible cross-section design has been proposed. Nevertheless, if the design process proceeds to a more detailed step a comprehensive set of studies, comprising extensive wind tunnel tests, are required to better find out the aerodynamic bridge behavior.

Analysis of the two dimensional sheet debris flight equations: initial and final state

Abstract: This work presents some analytical and numerical results of a dynamic analysis of the dimensionless 2-D sheet flight equations. Two empirical models for aerodynamic forces and moments are used and compared. Results show that the initial condition of rest is always unstable, and for long times three distinct flight regimes are possible, depending on the initial angle of attack, the Tachikawa number, Ta (in fact, the parameter chosen was its inverse, ), and a mass ratio . The final orbits in the velocity space and their maximum kinetic energy are compared with a theoretical asymptotic state of the motion equations, and some design considerations are proposed.

Numerical simulation study of the Reynolds number effect on two bridge decks based on the deterministic vortex method

Abstract: Researches on the Reynolds number effect on bridge decks have made slow progress due to the complicated nature of the subject. Heretofore, few studies on this topic have been made. In this paper, aerostatic coefficients, Strouhal number (St), pressure distribution and Reynolds number (Re) of Great Belt East Bridge and Sutong Bridge were investigated based on deterministic vortex method (DVM). In this method, Particle Strength Exchange (PSE) was chosen to implement the simulation of the flow around bluff body and to analyze the micro-mechanism of the aerostatic loading and Reynolds number effect. Compared with the results obtained from wind tunnel tests, reliability of numerical simulation can be proved. Numerical results also showed that the Reynolds number effect on aerostatic coefficients and Strouhal number of the two bridges can not be neglected. In the range of the Reynolds number from 105 to 106, it has great effect on the Strouhal number of Sutong Bridge, while the St is difficult to obtain from wind tunnel tests in this range.

Numerical calculation of the wind action on buildings using Eurocode 1 atmospheric boundary layer velocity profiles

Abstract: When designing structures to the wind action, the variation of the mean wind velocity and turbulence parameters with the height above the ground must be taken into account. This paper presents the numerical simulation results of atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) airflows, in a numerical domain with no obstacles and with a cubic building. The results of the flow characterization, obtained with the FLUENT CFD code were performed using the k turbulence model with the MMK modification. The mean velocity and turbulence intensity profiles in the inflow boundary were defined in accordance with the Eurocode 1.4, for different conditions of aerodynamic roughness. The maintenance of the velocity and turbulence characteristics along the domain were evaluated in an empty domain for uniform incident flow and the ABL Eurocode velocity profiles. The pressure coefficients on a cubic building were calculated using these inflow conditions.

Correlation analysis of the wind of a cable-stayed bridge based on field monitoring

Abstract: This paper investigates the correlation of wind characteristics monitored on a cable-stayed bridge. Total five anemoscopes are implemented into the bridge. Two out of 5 anemoscopes in inflow and two out of 5 anemoscopes in wake-flow along the longitudinal direction of the bridge are installed. Four anemoscopes are respectively distributed at two cross-sections. Another anemoscope is installed at the top of the tower. The correlation of mean wind speed and direction, power spectral density, the turbulent intensity and integral length of wind in flow at two cross-sections are investigated. In addition, considering the non-stationary characteristics of wind, the spatial correlation in time-frequency is analyzed using wavelet transform and different phenomenon from those obtained through FFT is observed. The time-frequency analysis further indicates that intermittence, coherence structures and self-similar structures are distinctly observed from fluctuant wind. The flow characteristics around the bridge deck at two positions are also investigated using the field measurement. The results indicate that the mean wind speed decrease when the flow passing through the deck, but the turbulence intensity become much larger and the turbulence integral lengths become much smaller compared with those of inflow. The relationship of RMS (root mean square) of wake-flow and the mean wind speed of inflow is approximately linear. The special structures of wake-flow in time-frequency domain are also analyzed using wavelet transform, which aids to reveal the forming process of wake-flow.