A New Paradigm for Wind Design

For taller buildings with unconventional architecture, refined structural systems or in geographical areas with high wind conditions, performance-based design can be seen as an enhanced design process and is either a supplement to, or alternative to a prescriptive code-based design. The ultimate goal of Performance-Based Wind Design (PBWD) is to result in a building that better addresses key goals of performance over the buildings full life cycle. Major innovations around the use of a PBWD approach include nonlinear dynamic analysis for wind design, limited inelasticity in the main wind force resisting system elements, and system-based performance criteria. This paper discusses potential considerations and benefits made when using a performance-based approach, in addition to the general practicality of use, for the structural design on a few key tall buildings.