Crosswind response analysis of structures with generalized Van der Pol-type aerodynamic damping by equivalent nonlinear equation method

For lightweight and lightly damped structures such as chimneys, solar towers, tall buildings and so forth, an increased crosswind response due to vortex shedding may trigger significant aero-elastic feedback between wind and structure, leading to undesired crosswind response. This study addressed estimation of the crosswind responses of tall and slender structures, where the aero-elastic effect is considered by generalized Van der Pol-type aerodynamic damping. Firstly, the nonlinear motion equation arising from nonlinear aerodynamic damping was solved by the equivalent nonlinear equation method and an analytical solution was obtained to estimate the crosswind response. Next, the accuracy of the present solution was verified by comparison with stochastic simulated results. Finally, the present analytical solution was applied to estimate the crosswind responses of square tall buildings and verified by experimental data. It was found that the present method can predict statistics of crosswind response efficiently and with satisfactory accuracy.