Front Matter for Wind Tunnel Testing for Buildings and Other Structures, ASCE 49-21
Publication: Wind Tunnel Testing for Buildings and Other Structures
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: American Society of Civil Engineers, author.
Title: Wind tunnel testing for buildings and other structures.
Description: Reston, Virginia : American Society of Civil Engineers, 2021. | “ASCE/SEI 49-21.” | Includes bibliographical references and index. | Summary: “ASCE/SEI 49-21 provides the minimum requirements for conducting and interpreting wind tunnel tests to determine wind loads on buildings and other structures”– Provided by publisher.
Identifiers: LCCN 2021034164 | ISBN 9780784415740 (paperback) | ISBN 9780784483367 (adobe pdf)
Subjects: LCSH: Wind tunnel testing. | Wind-pressure. | Buildings–Aerodynamics. | Structural analysis (Engineering)
Classification: LCC TA654.5 .W575 2021 | DDC 624.1/75–dc23
LC record available at lccn.loc.gov/2021034164
Published by American Society of Civil Engineers
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ASCE Standards
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Dedication
The members of the Wind Tunnel Testing for Buildings and Other Structures Standards Committee of the Structural Engineering Institute respectfully dedicate this standard in the memory of Dr. Jon A. Peterka, P.E., who passed away on May 22, 2019.
Jon was a pioneer and community pillar of wind engineering. He was instrumental in the writing of the first version of ASCE 49 (and its antecedent, ASCE Manual of Practice 67), and was relied on for thoughtful guidance as the ASCE 7 wind load provisions evolved. This service to our profession was only the tip of the iceberg in his passion for his work. Jon’s imprint can be found throughout this standard, certainly in the knowledge and methods he contributed, but also in the spirit in which we strive to provide the information necessary to improve the transparency, consistency, and quality of wind tunnel testing.
Contents
Dedication v
Preface xi
Acknowledgments xiii
1 General 1
1.1 Scope 1
1.2 Report Content 1
1.3 Coordinate Systems 1
1.4 Definitions 1
1.5 Notation 3
2 Wind Tunnel Simulations 5
2.1 General 5
2.2 Geometric Scale Considerations 5
2.3 Simulation of the Approach Flow 5
2.3.1 Atmospheric Boundary-Layer Simulation 5
2.3.1.1 Requirements for All Structures 5
2.3.1.2 Additional Requirements for Low-Rise Structures 6
2.3.1.3 Additional Requirements for Partial Turbulence Simulations 6
2.3.2 Considerations for Tornadoes, Downbursts, and Other Nonsynoptic Winds 6
2.4 Proximity Models 6
2.5 Topographic Modeling 6
2.6 Appurtenances to Buildings and Other Structures 6
3 Wind Loads for Rigid Structures 7
3.1 General 7
3.2 Models 7
3.3 Reference Wind Velocity 7
3.4 Measurement Techniques 7
3.4.1 Pressure Measurement 7
3.4.1.1 Pressure Integration 7
3.4.1.2 Internal Pressures 7
3.4.1.3 Calculation of Peak Pressures 8
3.4.2 Direct Load Measurement 8
3.4.2.1 Rigid Section Models 8
3.5 Wind Loads on Products 8
4 Wind Loads and Effects for Flexible Structures 9
4.1 General 9
4.2 Measurement Techniques 9
4.2.1 High-Frequency Force Balance 9
4.2.2 Pressure Integration 9
4.3 Analysis Techniques 9
4.3.1 Calculation of Wind Loads and Effects 9
4.3.2 Results and Presentation 9
4.4 Inertial Wind Loads on Products 9
5 Wind Loads and Effects for Aeroelastic Structures 11
5.1 General 11
5.2 Aeroelastic Models 11
5.2.1 Dynamic Similarity Requirements 11
5.2.1.1 Structural Damping 11
5.2.1.2 Reynolds Number Similarity 11
5.2.1.3 Froude Number Similarity 11
5.2.1.4 Velocity and Time/Frequency Scaling 11
5.2.2 Types of Aeroelastic Models 11
5.2.2.1 Section Models 11
5.2.2.2 Partial Aeroelastic Models 11
5.2.2.3 Full Aeroelastic Models 11
5.3 Test Conditions for Aeroelastic Models 11
5.4 Analysis Techniques for Aeroelastic Model Tests 12
5.5 Additional Reporting Requirements 12
6 Wind Climate Analysis and Modeling 13
6.1 General 13
6.2 Analysis of Historical Wind Velocity Data 13
6.3 Tropical Cyclones 13
6.4 Extratropical Storms 13
6.5 Thunderstorms 13
6.6 Tornadoes 13
6.7 Orographic Winds 13
6.8 Development of the Wind Climate Model and Combination with Wind Tunnel Data 13
7 Snow Load Model Studies 15
7.1 Snow Load Model Studies 15
8 Measurement Requirements and Quality Assurance 17
8.1 Instrumentation and Test Requirements 17
8.2 Measurement Uncertainty 17
8.3 Quality Assurance 17
Commentary to Standard ASCE/SEI 49-21 19
C1 General 19
C1.1 Scope 19
C1.2 Report Content 19
C1.4 Definitions 20
C2 Wind Tunnel Simulations 21
C2.1 General 21
C2.2 Geometric Scale Considerations 21
C2.3 Simulation of the Approach Flow 21
C2.3.1 Atmospheric Boundary-Layer Simulation 21
C2.3.1.1 Requirements For All Structures 21
C2.3.1.2 Additional Requirements for Low-Rise Structures 26
C2.3.1.3 Additional Requirements for Partial Turbulence Simulations 26
C2.3.2 Considerations for Tornadoes, Downbursts, and Other Nonsynoptic Winds 26
C2.4 Proximity Models 28
C2.5 Topographic Modeling 29
C2.6 Appurtenances to Buildings and Other Structures 29
C3 Wind Loads for Rigid Structures 31
C3.1 General 31
C3.2 Models 31
C3.3 Reference Wind Velocity 31
C3.4 Measurement Techniques 31
C3.4.1 Pressure Measurement 31
C3.4.1.1 Pressure Integration 32
C3.4.1.2 Internal Pressures 32
C3.4.1.3 Calculation of Peak Pressures 32
C3.4.2 Direct Load Measurement 33
C3.4.2.1 Rigid Section Models 33
C3.5 Wind Loads on Products 33
C4 Wind Loads and Effects for Flexible Structures 35
C4.1 General 35
C4.2 Measurement Techniques 35
C4.2.1 High-Frequency Force Balance 35
C4.2.2 Pressure Integration 36
C4.3 Analysis Techniques 37
C4.3.1 Calculation of Wind Loads and Effects 37
C4.3.2 Results and Presentation 37
C4.4 Inertial Wind Loads on Products 37
C5 Wind Loads and Effects for Aeroelastic Structures 39
C5.1 General 39
C5.2 Aeroelastic Models 40
C5.2.1 Dynamic Similarity Requirements 40
C5.2.1.1 Structural Damping 40
C5.2.1.2 Reynolds Number Similarity 40
C5.2.1.3 Froude Number Similarity 41
C5.2.1.4 Velocity and Time/Frequency Scaling 41
C5.2.2 Types of Aeroelastic Models 41
C5.2.2.1 Section Models 41
C5.2.2.2 Partial Aeroelastic Models 42
C5.2.2.3 Full Aeroelastic Models 42
C5.3 Test Conditions for Aeroelastic Models 43
C5.4 Analysis Techniques for Aeroelastic Model Tests 43
C6 Wind Climate Analysis and Modeling 45
C6.1 General 45
C6.2 Analysis of Historical Wind Velocity Data 45
C6.3 Tropical Cyclones 45
C6.4 Extratropical Storm Systems 45
C6.5 Thunderstorms 46
C6.6 Tornadoes 46
C6.7 Orographic Winds 46
C6.8 Development of Wind Climate Model and Combination with Wind Tunnel Data 46
C7 Snow Load Model Studies 49
C7.1 Snow Load Model Studies 49
C8 Measurement Requirements and Quality Assurance 53
C8.1 Instrumentation Requirements 53
C8.2 Measurement Uncertainty 54
C8.3 Quality Assurance 55
REFERENCES 57
INDEX 65
Preface
Prepared by the Wind Tunnel Testing for Buildings and Other Structures Standards Committee of the Codes and Standards Activities Division of the Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE
Wind Tunnel Studies for Buildings and Other Structures, Standard ASCE/SEI 49-12, provides the minimum requirements for conducting and interpreting wind tunnel tests to determine wind loads on buildings and other structures. Wind tunnel tests are used to predict the wind loads and responses of a structure, structural components, and cladding to a variety of wind conditions. This standard includes commentary that elaborates on the background and application of the requirements.
Topics include simulation of wind in boundary-layer wind tunnels, local and area-averaged wind loads, overall wind effects, aeroelastically active structures, extreme wind climate, and snow load model studies.
New to this version are requirements for wind loads on products. Wind loads are a critical design consideration for many mass-produced products that are constructed or installed at many different sites and in many different situations. Such products can be building-mounted (sunshades, solar racking, HVAC units, screen walls) or freestanding (ground-mounted solar trackers, gazebos, fences, communication towers). In addition, commentary guidance is provided for determining wind loads on buildings and other structures in tornadoes, which is an area of current active research.
The requirements outlined in this standard satisfy requirements for wind tunnel testing set out in Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, Standard ASCE 7. The loads produced by these tests are suitable for use in building codes and standards.
The material presented in this standard has been prepared in accordance with recognized engineering principles. This standard should not be used without first securing competent advice with respect to its suitability for any given application. The publication of the material contained herein is not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of ASCE, or of any other person named herein, that this information is suitable for any general or particular use or promises freedom from infringement of any patent or patents. Anyone making use of this information assumes all liability from such use.
This standard will be useful to those who design, conduct, and interpret wind tunnel tests for buildings, including structural engineers, architects, and building code officials.
Acknowledgments
ASCE acknowledges the work of the Wind Tunnel Testing for Buildings and Other Structures Standards Committee of the Codes and Standards Activities Division of the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI). This group comprises individuals from many backgrounds representing consumers, producers, and general interest individuals; included were wind engineers, consulting engineers, professors, and an insurance company representative. This standard was prepared through the consensus standards process by balloting in compliance with procedures of ASCE’s Codes and Standards Committee.
The following individuals serve on the Wind Tunnel Testing Standards Committee:
Committee members
Gregory A. Kopp, Ph.D., P.Eng., M.ASCE, Chair
Christopher Letchford, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, Vice Chair
Frederick Haan, Ph.D., M.ASCE, Secretary
Ryan Catarelli, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE, Balloteer
David Banks, Ph.D., M.ASCE
DongHun Yeo, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE
Melissa Burton, Ph.D., CEng, Aff.M.ASCE
Lakshmana Doddipatla, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE
Brad Douglas, M.ASCE
Peter Iglesias, P.E., M.ASCE
John Kilpatrick, Ph.D., M.ASCE
Franklin T. Lombardo, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE
Forrest Masters, Ph.D., M.ASCE
Murray J. Morrison, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE
Ted Stathopoulos, Ph.D., F.ASCE
Peter Vickery, Ph.D., F.ASCE
Bradley Young, P.E., M.ASCE
Associate members
Peter A. Irwin, Ph.D, P.E., F.ASCE
Ahsan Kareem, Ph.D., Dist.M.ASCE
Thomas Mara, PhD., P.E., M.ASCE
Patrick McCarthy, M.ASCE
Mark Sterling, Ph.D.
Teng Wu, Ph.D., M.ASCE
Ioannis Zisis, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE
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Wind Tunnel Testing for Buildings and Other Structures
Pages: i - xiii
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Jan 5, 2022
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