Life-Cycle Cost Analysis of a Point-Like Structure Subjected to Tornadic Wind Loads
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 146, Issue 2
Abstract
To quantify the monetary losses associated with damages induced by tornado wind storms, a numerical performance-based engineering framework complete with dynamic simulation of tornado-like wind fields, calculation of probabilities of structural performance for a point-like (monopole) structure and life-cycle cost analysis is presented. Within a Monte Carlo sampling environment, digitally simulated loads generated from five distinct tornado wind field models replicate aleatory and epistemic uncertainties concentrated in the aerodynamic load coefficients and turbulent wind velocities. Using random maximum displacements and base-bending moments as engineering demand parameters, the convolution of fragility functions with hazard curves for three intensity measures (maximum tangential velocity, core radius of the simulated tornado, and starting location of the tornado) yield probabilities of structural failure for selected limit states. The shapes of the integrand probability surfaces and the subsequent estimations of relative costs exhibit significant differences among the five models despite the parametrically equivalent simulations. This initial study, though limited through its case analysis of a point-like (monopole) structure, sets the stage for future investigations of life-cycle costs for other vertical structures (e.g., tall buildings) subjected to tornadic wind loads.
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Acknowledgments
Dr. Thai-Hoa Le (currently at SOH Wind Engineering, Williston, VT, USA) is gratefully acknowledged for the first version of the Wavelet-Galerkin numerical algorithm. This material is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States of America under Award No. CMMI-1434880. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.
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Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 146 • Issue 2 • February 2020
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©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 6, 2019
Accepted: May 28, 2019
Published online: Nov 29, 2019
Published in print: Feb 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Apr 29, 2020
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