Wind effect of a twin‐tower super high‐rise building with weak connection

An analysis and estimation method of multibalance synchronous test is established to study the wind effect of a complex super high‐rise building with weak connection. First, the frequency domain method is applied to deduce the calculation process of the wind effect of the multitower structure on the basis of the high frequency force balance (HFFB) technique. Then, the synchronous force test of HFFB is conducted on a twin‐tower super high‐rise building connected by a bridge. The wind‐induced response and loads and the interference effect between the two towers are analyzed based on the wind tunnel test data. The displacement correlation between the towers and the relative displacement of the multitower structure are investigated. Results show that the maximum and minimum relative displacements in the along‐bridge direction are 0.26 m in the along‐wind direction and ?0.26 m in the crosswind direction, respectively. The channeling effect formed by the surrounding buildings is the main cause of the maximum cross‐bridge displacement. The influence of the correlation between the two towers can be ignored for the along‐bridge relative displacement. The results of the HFFB and high‐frequency pressure integral test agree with each other, thereby indicating the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Effects of tuned mass damper on correlation of wind‐induced responses and combination coefficients of equivalent static wind loads of high‐rise buildings

Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) are employed to control the wind‐induced responses of tall buildings. In the meantime, TMD may have an impact on the correlation of wind‐induced responses and combination coefficients of equivalent static wind loads (ESWLs). First, the mass matrix and stiffness matrix were extracted in this paper in accordance with the structural analysis model of two high‐rise buildings, and on that basis, the wind‐induced vibration responses analysis model with and without TMD was established. Second, the synchronous multipoint wind tunnel test to measure the pressure was performed for two high‐rise buildings, and the time history of wind‐induced vibration responses with and without TMD was studied. Finally, the impact of TMD on the correlation of wind‐induced responses and combination coefficients of ESWLs was discussed. The results of two examples suggest that after the installation of TMD, the increase of ρ_xy was 2.1% to 35.0% and ρ_yz was 2.8% to 45.6% at all wind directions for Building 1, and the increase of ρ_xy was 3.9% to 17.1% and ρ_yz was 6.8% to 38.3% for Building 2. The combination coefficients of ESWLs of two buildings were 3% to 6% larger than that of the original structure. The conclusion of this paper can be referenced by the wind resistant design of high‐rise buildings with TMD.     

An experimental study on the wind pressure distribution of tapered super high‐rise buildings

Studies on the effect of different shape strategies on wind‐induced responses of super tall buildings have been extensive. However, little systematic research on the influence of aerodynamic shapes on wind pressure distributions of super high‐rise building having a height more than 500 m is reported in the literature. In this paper, a series of wind tunnel tests are conducted on models simulating tapered buildings taller than 500 m with an aspect ratio of 9:1 by applying synchronous pressure measurement technology to investigate the influence of different shape strategies on the wind force coefficients of the cross section (C_s) and on the peak negative pressure distributions on surfaces. The shape strategies considered include tapering of the cross section of a building along its height, chamfered modification, and opening ventilation slots. It is found that the wind force coefficient C_s increase with an increase of the tapering ratio. It is shown that chamfered modification can effectively reduce most of the wind force coefficients C_s to less than 0.9. As for peak wind pressures, a zone having a higher negative pressure is found to locate at the bottom of the side faces of the model. With an increase of the tapering ratio, the peak negative pressure of side faces of the model slightly decreases. Chamfered modification can significantly increase the peak negative pressure at the chamfered location. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that opening ventilation slots had less effect on C_s, but the peak negative pressure can significantly increase at the area of opening ventilation slots and adjacent areas.     

Wind‐induced interference effects between twin tapered skyscrapers

Twin high‐rise buildings, that is, two closely located tall buildings with identical or similar geometrical features, are inevitably under wind‐induced interference effects. Most previous studies employed rectangular or circular prisms as twin tall buildings to investigate the interference effects. Therefore, these findings need further verification and modification for twin high‐rise buildings with more complex exterior geometries. This study uses wind tunnel pressure measurement tests to investigate the interference effects on typical twin super‐tall buildings with a tapered shape and recessed corners. Structural overall overturning moments and surface wind pressures applied on the twin skyscrapers are analyzed and discussed in detail. The interference effects on the twin skyscrapers are further compared with those on paired square prisms with the same height and footprint breadth. The results show that the interference effects on the twin tapered super‐tall buildings differ considerably from those on the square prisms, and the critical building configurations that need cautious treatment in the designs of twin skyscrapers are specified.     

Effects of grid curtains on the wind loads of a high‐rise building

The effects of grid curtains on the local and overall wind loads of a high‐rise building are investigated in detail according to a series of wind pressure and wind force tests on rigid model in a wind tunnel. The effects of grid curtains on the mean and fluctuating wind pressures on windward and sideward walls when the wind direction is parallel to the geometrical axes are investigated, along with the effects of the most unfavorable wind pressures for all wind directions. Furthermore, the effects of grid curtains on the mean and fluctuating aerodynamic forces on the entire building are also analyzed for various wind directions, along with the effects of grid curtains on the aerodynamic force spectra when the wind direction is parallel to the geometric axes. The test results indicate that grid curtains affect the mean and fluctuating windward pressure slightly but greatly influence the large sideward negative pressures. Grid curtains increase the mean and fluctuating windward aerodynamic forces and reduce the fluctuating aerodynamic torsions. According to the aerodynamic force spectra, grid curtains can mainly affect the wind forces in the low‐frequency range. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental study on wind load characteristics of high‐rise buildings with opening

For investigation of the wind load characteristics on high‐rise buildings with opening, a series of rigid rectangular high‐rise building models with opening were tested by synchronous multi‐pressure sensing system (SMPSS) in a boundary wind tunnel. Influence parameters including different opening heights, opening rates, opening patterns, and terrain categories are studied in detail. Based on the test results, the local wind force coefficients, base moment coefficients, and power spectral densities were discussed. The results indicated that the opening could affect the wind loads acting on high‐rise buildings to different extent. The distinct reduction of wind loads on high‐rise buildings was found at along‐wind direction, which could be evaluated by a proposed simplified expression accordingly. This study aims to provide useful information for the wind‐resistant design of high‐rise buildings with opening.     

高湍流度下超高层建筑的风致振动响应特性

在较高湍流度流场用高频测力天平方法对金茂大厦模型进行了风洞试验,分析了周围建筑以及待建的环球金融中心对金茂大厦的基础平均风荷载、气动风荷载和风振响应的影响和干扰效应。结果表明:湍流度对静风荷载影响甚少,但对动力风荷载以及风振响应影响很大;总的来说,D类流场下的结构抖振效应要明显高于B类地貌情况。环球金融中心对金茂大厦有很大的静力遮挡影响,同时也增大了其风振响应和总的风振荷载,其中对总风振荷载的干扰效应随着湍流度的增加而降低,但在D类地貌下且梯度风高度处的湍流度为15.8%时的干扰因子依然较为明显,干扰效应并没有消失。     

Shaking table test and numerical simulation on vibration control effects of TMD with different mass ratios on a super high‐rise structure

In this paper, the influence of mass ratio on the vibration control effects of tuned mass damper (TMD) on a super high‐rise building has been investigated. A 1/45 scaled model of a super high‐rise building was constructed, and the TMD with the mass ratio of 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03, respectively, was suspended on the top. Shaking table test and the corresponding numerical simulation were carried out to make a further understanding of the damping mechanism. The structural performance with or without TMD was comparatively studied. The results show that larger mass ratio can improve the control effects under frequent earthquake, but the control effects increase little with the increase of mass ratio under rare earthquake due to structural damages, accompanied by stiffness degradation and nonlinear behavior of the main structure. In addition, some suggestions on the mass ratio selection are also proposed to generalize its applications.     

Seismic performance analysis of viscous damping outrigger in super high‐rise buildings

This paper introduces a seismic energy dissipation technology—viscous damping outrigger (VDO)—which is composed of outrigger truss and viscous damper. The viscous damper is set up vertically at the end of outrigger truss, which is an innovative and high‐efficiency arrangement. VDO can fully utilize the characteristic of structural lateral deformation of super high‐rise buildings to increase the efficiency of viscous dampers for enhancing structural security, improving seismic performance, and reducing construction expenditure. In this paper, working principle and seismic energy dissipating mechanism of VDO are explained firstly. Then, the influence of viscous damper parameters on energy dissipation efficiency is studied. Next, the optimal position of VDO in a super high‐rise building is analyzed in detail. Lastly, the application of VDO in structural seismic design of a super high‐rise building in China will be clearly verified based on their feasibility, economy, and safety.     

Experimental study of across‐wind aerodynamic damping of super high‐rise buildings with aerodynamically modified square cross‐sections

Across‐wind aerodynamic damping ratios are determined from the wind‐induced acceleration responses of 10 aeroelastic models of square super high‐rise buildings in an urban flow condition (exposure category C in the Chinese code) using the random decrement technique. Moreover, the influences of amplitude‐dependent structural damping ratio on the estimation of aerodynamic damping ratio are discussed. The validity of estimated damping is examined through a comparison with previous research achievements. On the basis of the estimated results, the characteristics of the across‐wind aerodynamic damping ratios of modified square high‐rise buildings are studied. The effects of aerodynamically modified cross‐sections, such as chamfered, slotted and tapered cross‐section, on the across‐wind aerodynamic damping ratio are investigated. The results indicate that modifications of cross‐sections are not always effective in suppressing the aeroelastic effects of super high‐rise buildings. Low corner‐cut ratios (chamfer ratios from 5% to 20% and slot ratios from 5% to 10%) and low taper ratio (1%) significantly decrease the magnitudes of absolute aerodynamic damping ratios. However, large modifications of cross‐sections (slot ratio of 20% and taper ratios from 3% to 5%) increase wind‐induced responses by changing the aerodynamic damping ratios. According to the database, empirical aerodynamic damping function parameters are fitted for high‐rise buildings with aerodynamically modified square cross‐sections. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic performance of high‐rise building with a rock‐slip isolation system with cables

To avoid the overturning hazard of high‐rise buildings with traditional isolation technology, a rock‐slip structure with cables (RSSC) was proposed to improve their seismic performance. The mechanical model was established, and the motion behaviour equation of the RSSC was derived. Shake‐table tests of the RSSC were performed, and the results were compared with the corresponding finite‐element model simulations. The influences of key structural parameters and earthquake motion characteristics were analysed. The study results showed that the RSSC could effectively reduce the internal seismic force response and interlayer deformation under a severe earthquake, as well as decrease the overturning probability. The seismic reduction effect was influenced by the prestressed force, the aspect ratio of the structure, and the friction coefficient between the superstructure and foundation as well as seismic site type. The motion equation derived in this paper can be used to theoretically predict the motion behaviour of RSSC.     

Vertical deformation analysis of a high‐rise building with high‐position connections

In this paper, a high‐rise frame‐core tube structure with strengthened stories and high‐position connections, a new landmark building in Wuhan, whose height is 238.6 m, is selected as an example. Construction simulation analysis is carried out by the finite element analysis software ETABS to study the vertical deformation and deformation difference of vertical members under the gravity load, taking the influence of construction processes and shrinkage and creep of concrete into consideration. The results show that there is a significant difference between the vertical deformation of the twin‐tower model with connections and that of the single‐tower model. Some engineering countermeasures are put forward to reduce the vertical deformation difference of the twin‐tower connected structure.     

An estimate on in‐construction differential settlement of super high‐rise frame core–tube buildings

To physically identify the mechanisms behind the development of in‐construction settlement of super high‐rise frame core–tube buildings, a simplified approach is developed by the full understanding about the typical structural layouts, specific construction feature, and load transfer path of those buildings as well as time‐dependent effects. With the reference to several typical structural layouts, a simplified one‐bay multistory model is developed that consists of two overall vertical components and horizontal components representing the exterior columns, core tubes, and beams (or mega trusses), respectively, in those super high‐rise buildings. Based on this model, a simplified approach with a so‐called “global–local” strategy is proposed to account for the difference in the settlement of the corner columns and side columns. The leading construction and final screwing at the rigid connections between beams (or trusses) and exterior columns, which are commonly implemented during the construction of those buildings, are seriously addressed in the simplified approach, as well as strengthened floors and time‐dependent effects. The applicability and accuracy of the proposed approach is demonstrated by a 128‐story 606‐m‐level super high‐rise frame core–tube building. The proposed simplified approach can be helpful for the development of preliminary construction schemes and the control strategy for differential settlement.     

Performance of fixed‐parameter control algorithms on high‐rise structures equipped with semi‐active tuned mass dampers

The present study investigates the performance of fixed parameter control algorithms on wind‐excited high‐rise structures equipped with semi‐active tuned mass dampers of variable damping. It has been demonstrated that the algorithms that increase significantly the performance of the controlled structure do so at the expense of damper strokes. When the maximum damper strokes are capped to progressively lower limits, the efficacy of different algorithms, measured through a number of performance objectives, drastically alters totally changing the performance ranking of them and pointing out the need for an extensive study of the interplay between loading, control algorithm and allowable stroke within the design of semi‐active tuned mass dampers devices. 2015 The Authors. The Structural Design of Tall and Special Buildings published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Seismic collapse risk assessment of super high‐rise buildings considering modeling uncertainty: A case study

Based on the multiple stripes analysis method and the first‐order second‐moment method, a seismic collapse risk assessment considering the modeling uncertainty is carried out for a 118‐story super high‐rise building with a typical mega‐frame/core‐tube/outrigger resisting system. The sensitivity of the median collapse capacity of the building to eight main parameters is analyzed, and then the modeling uncertainty is determined. Both the effects of the characterization methods of bidirectional ground motion intensities and the selection of the ground motion intensity measure (IM) on the aleatory randomness are investigated. The mean estimates approach and the confidence interval method are used to incorporate both the modeling uncertainty and the aleatory randomness, and then the annual collapse probability, the collapse probability at the maximum considered earthquake (MCE) intensity level and the acceptable values of the collapse margin ratios (CMRs) with different confidence levels for the building are calculated. The results show that the influence of the modeling uncertainty on the collapse capacity of the super high‐rise structure is negligible, the aleatory randomness caused by the record‐to‐record variability is significant, and an appropriate ground motion IM can significantly reduce the aleatory randomness.     

Experimental parametric study on wind‐induced vibration control of particle tuned mass damper on a benchmark high‐rise building

A particle tuned mass damper system is an integration of tuned mass damper and particle damper. The damping performance of such device is investigated by an aero‐elastic wind tunnel test on a benchmark high‐rise building. The robustness of the system is studied by comparing the damping performance to that of a traditional tuned mass damper, and the results show that the damper has excellent and steady wind‐induced vibration control effects. Meanwhile, the parameters (filling ratio, mass ratio, and mass ratio of the container to particles), which have great influence on the vibration reduction performance of the system, are also analyzed, and it is found that the particles filling ratio plays the most important role in deciding the damping effects of the dampers. There exists an optimum filling ratio and mass ratios in which the damper can reach the best damping state. Proper parameter selections can greatly improve the damping performance.     

Steady suction for controlling across‐wind loading of high‐rise buildings

To reduce across‐wind effects on high‐rise buildings, this paper introduces a new active aerodynamic control named steady suction. To test its effect, the control mechanism of steady suction is discussed first, and then, a synchronization pressure test was conducted in a wind tunnel to measure the across‐wind loading on a high‐rise model (Commonwealth Advisory Aeronautical Research Council standard high‐rise building model). A series of analytical methods were used to compare the different effects on across‐wind aerodynamic forces caused by different parameters. The results show that when the wind blows straight on the wide side of the model, steady suction arranged on the narrow side close to the leading edge can effectively reduce the fluctuating base moment. When the wind blows straight on the narrow side, steady suction arranged on the middle of the wide side effectively reduces the fluctuating base moment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Aerodynamic interference effects of a proposed taller high‐rise building on wind pressures on existing tall buildings

When a large super high‐rise building taller than the surrounding tall buildings is built in a dense urban area, the aerodynamic interference effects of the surrounding buildings on the proposed building attract much attention, while the interference effects of the taller high‐rise building on the nearby existing buildings are often ignored. Based on a series of wind tunnel tests, the interference effects of a proposed taller high‐rise building, an adjacent equal‐height partner building, and relatively short background buildings on the target building's local wind pressures are analysed in this paper. Two‐dimensional numerical simulation are carried out to further understand the interference mechanism in some cases. The test results show that the influence of a nearby proposed taller high‐rise building may lead to wind‐induced damage on the interfered shorter buildings' envelopes. The envelope structures of other surrounding buildings facing the side of the proposed building need to be given more attention.     

Vulnerability assessment of a high‐rise building subjected to mainshock–aftershock sequences

Strong aftershocks have the potential to further aggravate the damage state of structures, and much less attention has been given to the seismic vulnerability of high‐rise buildings than that of low‐ to medium‐rise buildings. This study assesses the seismic vulnerability of a 32‐storey frame–core tube building by performing the incremental dynamic analysis on the material‐based three‐dimensional numerical model. A storey damage model based on the material damage is developed using the weighted average method. Eighteen recorded mainshock–aftershock sequences, whose mainshock records match the target spectrum, are selected. The results indicate that the developed stroey damage model can effectively reflect the additional damage induced by aftershocks. Strong aftershocks have high potential to change the location of weak storeys. Notably, shifts of weak storeys are observed in more than 30% of aftershocks with relative spectral acceleration of 0.8. As the mainshock‐induced damage state becomes more severe, the mainshock‐damaged building becomes increasingly fragile to the aftershock excitation and more sensitive to aftershock intensities. The probability of exceeding severe damage state increases from 35.3% to 62.1% due to the effects of strong aftershocks. The results in this study can provide supports to the seismic resilience assessment of this high‐rise building.     

Three‐dimensional coupled wind‐induced vibration calculation method for super high‐rise buildings based on high‐frequency force balance technology

High‐frequency force balance test is a major technical means to evaluate the wind effect of super high‐rise buildings. Most super high‐rise buildings have the characteristic that the first two‐order modal frequencies are close, and thus, considerable modal coupling effects (MCEs) may occur under wind load. For a balance model system (BMS), MCEs increase the difficulty of correcting aerodynamic distortion signals. For the wind‐induced vibration analysis of a structural system (PSS), the calculation results of the wind‐induced response and the equivalent static wind load (ESWL) may be significantly affected without considering MCE. Based on the above‐mentioned signal distortion of BMS and the modal coupling problem of PSS, this study proposes a wind‐induced vibration calculation method for the two coupled systems (BMS and PSS). The method uses the second‐order blind identification technique based on complex modal theory and the Bayesian spectral density method considering full aerodynamic characteristics to achieve effective correction of the distortion signal in BMS. In addition, it deduces the calculation method of the wind‐induced response and ESWL considering the three‐dimensional coupled vibration of a super high‐rise building. The wind effect calculation results of a 528‐m super high‐rise building confirm the necessity and effectiveness of the proposed method.