3-DIMENSIONAL COMPUTATIONAL METHODS FOR SIMULATING WIND FLOW PHENOMENA AND BUILDING STRUCTURE INTERACTION

Abstract

This paper documents the progress of research to investigate the integration of 3-dimensional computational modeling techniques into wind mitigation analysis and design for building structures located in high wind prone areas. Some of the basic mechanics and theoretical concepts of fluid flow and wind pressure as well as their translation into design criteria for structural analysis and design are reviewed, followed by a discussion of a detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) application case study for a simulated "3-second gust" hurricane force wind flow over a low rectangular building located in a coastal region of south Florida. The case study project models the wind flow behavior and pressure distribution over the building structure when situated in three varying conditions within a single terrain exposure category. The simulations include three-dimensional modeling of the building type constructed (1) on-grade in a flat coastal area, (2) above grade with the building elevated on structural columns, and (3) on-grade downwind of an escarpment. The techniques and parameters for development of the simulations are discussed and some preliminary interpretations of the results are evaluated by comparing their predictions to existing experimental and analytical data, with special attention paid to the numerical methods outlined in the American Society of Civil Engineers, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, ASCE 7-98.