Determination of Pressure Coefficients for High-Rise Buildings of Different Aspect Ratios
The pressure coefficients for the Main Wind Force Resisting System (MWFRS) in Chapter 27 of ASCE 7-16 for buildings above 60 ft date from the mid-1970s. While tweaks have been made over the years, a systematic study using modern wind tunnel test methods for code-based design has not been conducted in many years. In particular, our knowledge of both the role of turbulence on aerodynamic loading and the turbulence levels in the atmospheric boundary later have evolved considerably over this time period. As a result, the ASCE 7-22 Wind Loads Sub-Committee is reviewing and possibly updating Chapter 27 MWFRS wind load coefficients.
To assist the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the University of Western Ontario conducted wind tunnel tests to obtain additional test data for mid-rise and high-rise buildings to augment existing databases and provide a complete set of data for analysis of the provisions of ASCE 7. This report provides initial analysis of the data with respect to overall loads (roof uplift and base shear) utilizing measured data obtained from wind tunnel testing of models for buildings with many different building plan and height aspect ratios.
Research Team
-
Donald R. Scott, S.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE, Principal Investigator
-
Gregory A. Kopp, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, Technical Lead
-
Jin Wang, Technical Team
-
Laura Champion, P.E., F.SEI, M.ASCE, SEI
-
Jennifer Goupil, P.E., F.SEI, M.ASCE, SEI
Primary financial support for the experimental program was provided by the Charles Pankow Foundation. Additional support was provided by Walter P Moore and Associates, Inc.; Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; PCS Structural Solutions; National Council of Structural Engineers Associations; Glenn and Judy Bell; CPP Wind Engineering & Air Quality Consultants; Peter A. Irwin, Ph.D., P.Eng.; Degenkolb Engineers; Gilsanz Murray Steficek LLP; Hatfield Group; KPFF; LERA Consulting Structural Engineers; Magnusson Klemencic Associates Foundation; Nabih Youssef Structural Engineers; Odeh Engineers, Inc.; Silman; Structural Focus.