Numerical simulations of wind effects and wind-induced responses on twin tall buildings in an urban area

Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the Finite Element Method (FEM), this study investigates wind effects on and wind-induced vibration of twin tall buildings in an urban area. Firstly, this study proposes a complete analysis framework of wind effects on and wind-induced response of tall buildings using one-way coupled CFD/FEM based on the stiffness mapping algorithm. And then, considering realistically urban terrain conditions, the wind loads on the building envelope and wind-induced responses of twin tall buildings were obtained and the habitant comfort was assessed according to the Chinese wind code using the proposed framework. The results show that the proposed framework can provide a cost-effective way for wind load estimation on and wind-induced response predictions of tall buildings as well as occupant comfort assessment. It was found that wind-induced displacement and vibration of the twin tall buildings could satisfy relevant specifications in the Chinese codes and standards. Furthermore, the gust loading factors of the twin tall buildings obtained from the numerical simulations are smaller than those specified in the Chinese wind code. Due to the realistic urban terrains, complex building shape and aerodynamic interference were considered in the numerical simulations. The proposed one-way coupled CFD/FEM approach enables engineers and researchers involved in the wind-resistant design of tall buildings to obtain economic and reasonable results for practical practices. © 2020, Editorial Office of Journal of Vibration and Shock. All right reserved.