Wind Tunnel Testing and the Sector-by-Sector Approach to Wind Directionality Effects

We examine the sector-by-sector approach used by some wind tunnel operators to specify extreme wind effects. According to this approach the design of a structural member subjected to wind loads is adequate if the stresses induced by the largest sectorial wind speed with a 50 year mean recurrence interval does not exceed the maximum allowable wind-induced stress for that member, sectorial wind speeds with a 50 year mean recurrence interval being estimated separately for each of the eight 45° (or the 16 22.5°) azimuthal sectors. We show that this approach leads to estimates of wind effects that are unconservative (i.e., on the unsafe side), owing to their failure to consider the overall effects of winds blowing from all sectors.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/07339445
• Authors:
  • Simiu, Emil
  • Filliben, James J
• Publication Date: 2005-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 1143-1145
• Serial:
  • Journal of Structural Engineering
  • Volume: 131
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-9445
  • Serial URL: http://ascelibrary.org/loi/jsendh

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamic force; Structural design; Wind tunnels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Wind direction; Wind load
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01002516
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 28 2005 7:34AM