A refined model for calculating 3-D equivalent static wind forces on structures

This paper describes the progress made in a research aimed at generalizing the gust factor technique from the sector of the alongwind response towards the 3-D wind response of structures. A unitary framework is given to the alongwind, crosswind and torsional vibrations of slender flexible cylinders. General expressions, based on a refined definition of the 3-D gust response factor, are derived for calculating the equivalent static wind forces. The possibility of solving the problem in closed form and the prospective of extending this formulation to three-dimensional bodies are also discussed.