Wind Tunnel Analysis
Wind Tunnel Analysis
(OP)
May I ask in what cases we use wind tunnel analysis? For what structures?
What is the benifit of wind tunnel analysis?
Thank you
What is the benifit of wind tunnel analysis?
Thank you
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RE: Wind Tunnel Analysis
RE: Wind Tunnel Analysis
http://mylearning.asce.org/diweb/catalog/item/eid/...
Anyway, if I remember right, it was mentioned in the seminar that the cost of a wind-tunnel analysis was something on the order of $50,000 and up, if that helps put it into perspective.
RE: Wind Tunnel Analysis
Wind studies are sometimes needed even on shorter buildings for the design of cladding attachments for two reasons:
1) At street level, municipalities sometimes worry about localized high winds due to the aerodynamic interplay of the new building with the adjacent ones.
2) For buildings characterized by wacky geometry, there is a perceived need for better localized wind estimates.
When testing is done for these reasons, you can often get primary structure numbers added on for 5-10k which changes the cost benefit calculation some.
The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.
RE: Wind Tunnel Analysis
RE: Wind Tunnel Analysis
When I first started out in WI, it was 20 psf to 25 ft, 25 psf to 40 ft etc. I've probably botched the numbers but the point is that it was awesome to work with. And, while wind studies certainly improve our ability to "know" our loads, we still don't really know.
I've worked on a few projects where the wind studies produced extremely low net wind pressures for MWFRS design (7 psf). At first blush, that sounds like a wonderful thing. However, the economy was offset by two factors:
1) Seismic loads.
2) I refused to design the building for a MWFRS wind pressure less than 15 psf. Most structural engineers will have a "floor" value no matter what the wind consultant comes up with.
The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.
RE: Wind Tunnel Analysis
RE: Wind Tunnel Analysis
I have a 1920-ish book called "Wind Bracing" written by a NY structural engineer. It's glorious. The subject matter paraphrased: maybe we should have wind bracing on tall buildings?
The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.
RE: Wind Tunnel Analysis
My larger point though, is that there is no substitute for first principles engineering in terms of driving innovative design forward, and you can't do that without checking yourself through testing. Wind tunnel testing in particular is under specified for lightweight structures like canopies and long span roofs. Structural testing of glass to metal connections is something you learn a lot from, as it is with unorthodox materials like metal mesh and funky geometries. We should not be so afraid to tell owners to front for testing.
RE: Wind Tunnel Analysis
I apreciate practical information on Wind Tunnel Analysis for a new guy in this subject.
Thank you everybody.
RE: Wind Tunnel Analysis