Wind-Induced Motion of Tall Buildings: Designing for Habitability

Abstract

• Sponsored by the Committee on Tall Buildings of the Technical Activities Division of the Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE

  Tall and super-tall buildings are going up all over the world, notably in east and south Asia, the Pacific Rim, and the Middle East. Advances in materials, structural design, and wind engineering ensure that these buildings meet strength and safety requirements. But wind-induced building motion can cause structures to creak and groan, elevator cables to clash, horizons to "swing," and human occupants to feel dizzy, nausea, or highly anxious.

  Wind-Induced Motion of Tall Buildings presents an overview of current research on occupant response to motion in tall buildings. This state-of-the-art report describes the physiology and psychology of the human perception of motion and explains the factors that can be used to characterize a building's movement. The authors summarize the results of field studies and motion simulator experiments that examine human perception of and tolerance for building motion. They survey the serviceability criteria adopted by international standards organizations and offer general acceptance guidelines based on peak acceleration thresholds. Finally, they identify design strategies that can mitigate wind-induced building motion through structural optimization, aerodynamics treatment, and vibration dissipation or absorption.

  The human tolerance for wind-induced building motion can vary greatly and poses a challenge in new buildings of ever-increasing height and complexity of shape. Property developers, building owners, and design professionals working on tall buildings will use this report to ensure that occupants remain comfortable and secure in tall buildings during periods of strong wind.