Equivalent Static Buffeting Loads on Structures

Abstract

The loads on buildings and structures caused by the buffeting action of wind have traditionally been analyzed using the gust loading factor (GLF) approach in most codes and standards. In this approach, the equivalent static wind loading used in design is equal to the mean wind force multiplied by the GLF. Although the traditional GLF method can ensure an accurate estimation of the displacement response, it may not provide a reliable estimate of other response components. In addition, this method fails to provide any guidance in cases with a zero mean response. This note presents a theoretical formulation for the buffeting wind loading on structures, which eliminates these shortcomings. A tall building and a long-span bridge are used to demonstrate the effectiveness and improved predictive features of the proposed formulation.