Pressure fluctuations on buildings

Reports an investigation of wind loading with emphasis on the local pressure fluctuations, on a small scale building model in a thick turbulent boundary layer wind tunnel. A striking similarity between the oncoming turbulent energy spectra andsurface pressure-fluctuation spectra was consistently observed. This similar behaviour suggests that the upstream turbulence plays a dominant role in producing the pressure fluctuations on the upwind face of a bluff body.

Wind effect on the air movement inside buildings.

Discusses the effect of wind on air change rates in buildings. Reports series of model tests conducted in a water flume and a wind tunnel. A plexiglass box with holes in it was filled with gas, either nitrogen or carbon dioxide, and placed in a controlled air flow. The concentration of gas was plotted in a semi-logarithmic form. Gives typical examples of these graphs.Discusses feasibilty of estimating rate of air change by a hyperbolic function, but finds that more tests are needed forpractical recommendations.

The feasability of using models for predetermining natural ventilation.

Discusses conditions that must be satisfied for a model in a wind-tunnel to give the same air-flow as a full-sized building. Reports two series of tests on interior and exterior air flow patterns, made on a full-sized building and a scale model of the building. Air flow patterns were observed using titanium tetrachloride smoke. Tests were also made to determine the limits by which the product of the height of the model by the air speed may vary without serious error.

Study of wind pressure with vertical distribution on model-scale buildings.

Reports measurements of pressure distribution on square cylindrical models in wind tunnel. Vertical distribution of wind velocity was produced by grids of horizontal rods at varying spacing. Wind pressure distributions on model-scale buildings were obtained, varying the height, width, depth and winddirection. To compare results, a large-scale model 3.6 metreshigh 1.2 metres by 1.2 metres in plan was placed on the shore and pressure distribution measured during a strong wind. Gives diagrams of pressure distributions.

Wind pressure on elementary building forms evaluated by model tests.

Describes tests made to find wind pressure on models in a low-velocity wind tunnel. Three basic forms:- a semi-cylinder, a rectangular vertical wall and a block-type gabled building were tested at several different angles to the wind. Gives typical pressure patterns for block-type model. Suggests use of average pressure coefficient for calculation of wind loads determined from pressure distribution. A short series of tests on the effect of shielding building showed that negative pressure on some walls could be increased by an adjacent building.

A wind tunnel investigation using simple building models to obtain mean surface wind pressure coefficients for air infiltration estimates.

Detailed sets of time-averaged surface pressure coefficients were recorded over the walls and roof of a rectangular building model, set in a simulated high density urban area. The 1/400 scale model represented a generalized smooth surfaced building of 100x150 ft plan form, whose height varied from 300 ft to 200,100 and 50ft. Surrounding roughness elements equalled the heightof the 50ft, building model. Tests were carried out at twelve wind angles using a power low velocity profile with an exponent of 0.43.

Model simulation of wind effects on structures

Sets out the similarity requirements which must be observed so that results of wind tunnel tests may be used to predict behaviour of full-scale prototypes in the natural wind. Discusses rigid models, suspension bridges, models of slender towers. Outlines problems of representing natural wind and the effect of wind tunnel-wall interference. Introduces correction procedure for wake blockage which permits the use of larger wind-tunnel models than would otherwise be possible without serious errors.

The application of the boundary layer wind tunnel to the prediction of wind loading.

Discusses use of long boundary layer wind tunnel to produce a more realistic model of natural wind than that obtained in conventional aeronautical wind tunnel. Reports tests made tofind wind velocity profile and model tests to find dynamic response to wind loads and local pressures on buildings. Finds aeroelastic model response in turbulent flow is markedly different from that in smooth uniform velocity. Concludes that adequate simulation of natural wind has been obtained. Finds comparison between model and full-scale tests is encouraging.

Model law and experimental technique for determination of wind loads on buildings.

Describes experimental techniques used to produce turbulent boundary layers in a wind tunnel. Gives model law for velocity profile in a turbulent flow over a rough surface. Describes wind tunnel, five tunnel coatings used to generate turbulence, themodels and instrumentation. Gives as an example the test results from a model of house with desk roof.

Roughness element geometry required for wind tunnel simulations of the atmospheric wind.

Describes method of estimating roughness required to generate velocity profile of a given shape with a boundary layer of agiven depth. Uses data correlation for the wall stress associated with very rough boundaries and a semi-empirical calculation method to calculate the shape of boundary layers in exact equilibrium with the roughness beneath them. Results can be summarized in a single figure which relates shape factor of boundary layer to height of roughness elements and their spacing

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