An aerodynamic and aeroelastic experimental study on a sectional and three‐dimensional rectangular tall building

This paper examines the aerodynamic properties of a rectangular tall building with sharp edges. The building has a section aspect ratio B/D = 2.6 and a height aspect ratio H/D = 9, giving in a quite slender prismatic configuration. The study was performed on sectional and three‐dimensional models of the building. The sectional model was tested in a smooth flow condition, and the aerodynamic coefficients of the section were determined. Forces and pressure distributions were measured on the three‐dimensional model to compare with the aerodynamic behavior of the sectional model. Both a rigid (non‐moving) and a moving model of the building were tested to analyze possible aeroelastic effects. Different levels of incoming wind turbulence were tested, since this is a key parameter in the aerodynamic behavior of the rectangular prism. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.