• Wind and Structures
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.239-257
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• 2009

This paper develops and discusses a method by which it is possible to evaluate the Equivalent Static Force (ESF) of wind in the case of long-span bridges. Attention is focused on the alongwind direction. The study herein carried out deals with the classical problems of determining the maximum effects due to the alongwind action and the corresponding ESFs. The mean value of the maximum alongwind displacement of the deck is firstly obtained both by the spectral analysis and the Gust Response Factor (GRF) technique. Successively, in order to derive the other wind-induced effects acting on the deck, the Gust Effect Factor (GEF) technique is extended to long-span bridges. By adopting the GRF technique, it is possible to define the ESF that applied on the structure produces the maximum alongwind displacement. Nevertheless the application of the ESF so obtained does not furnish the correct maximum values of other wind-induced effects acting on the deck such as bending moments or shears. Based on this observation, a new technique is proposed which allows to define an ESF able to simultaneously reproduce the maximum alongwind effects of the bridge deck. The proposed technique is based on the GEF and the POD techniques and represents a valid instrument of research for the understanding of the wind excitation mechanism.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.253-283
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• 2011

This paper presents the field measurement results of wind effects on a super-tall building (CITIC Plaza, 391 m high) located in Guangzhou. The field data such as wind speed, wind direction and acceleration responses were simultaneously and continuously recorded from the tall building by a wind and vibration monitoring system during two typhoons. The typhoon-generated wind characteristics including turbulence intensity, gust factor, peak factor, turbulence integral length scale and power spectral density of fluctuating wind speed were presented and discussed. The dynamic characteristics of the tall building were determined based on the field measurements and compared with those calculated from a 3D finite element model of the building. The measured natural frequencies of the two fundamental sway modes of the building were found to be larger than those calculated. The damping ratios of the building were evaluated by the random decrement technique, which demonstrated amplitude-dependent characteristics. The field measured acceleration responses were compared with wind tunnel test results, which were found to be consistent with the model test data. Finally, the serviceability performance of the super-tall building was assessed based on the field measurement results.