Study of Buffeting Response and Wind-Induced Vibration Comfort of a Steel Pylon with a Tower Crane in Construction Stage

Based on the aerodynamic model of a mono-column steel pylon rising 164.4 m under construction, the wind tunnel test was conducted to evaluate the comfort of the pylon with a tower crane under the action of wind-induced vibration. The buffeting displacement responses of the pylon and the tower crane were studied during the capping of the pylon (T1) and the installation of the last buttress (T2). The root mean square of acceleration was applied as the index to evaluate the human response to the wind-induced vibrations of pylon. Multiple human comfort standards were compared to categorize three levels (high, medium and low level) of evaluation. The evaluation levels were verified in accordance with the related requirements. The results show that the wind yaw angle can exert significant effect on the buffeting response of the pylon structure with tower crane, and the buffeting response is the most violent at the wind yaw angle of 15°. The root mean square of acceleration of the top of the steel pylon with a tower crane is in distinct linear relation with the wind speed, which can be used as one of the simple evaluation index of the comfort of the pylon under the action of wind-induced vibration. The comfort level of the pylon is similar in the two construction stages, while the comfort of the top of the tower crane under the action of the wind-induced vibration is lower in condition T2, compared to that in condition T1. The medium level of evaluation that is based on the very-disturbing degree generally agrees with the specified level. © 2021, Journal Press, China Railway Bridge Science Research Institute, Ltd. All right reserved.