Aeroelastic Balance

Abstract

The “stick” type aeroelastic model, referred to here as “aeroelastic balance,” has served as an effective tool for investigating wind-induced response of tall buildings and towers in both fundamental research as well as design applications. However, some questions still remain unaddressed in the available literature regarding the efficacy of the aeroelastic balance as a design tool. These concerns arise from the mismatch of the mode shape and mass distribution between the model and the prototype. This paper provides appropriate scaling laws needed for modeling building dynamics and aeroelastic effects and offers a critical evaluation of the modeling issues concerning the aeroelastic balance. Clearly, buildings with a nonlinear mode shape preclude a straightforward similarity between the model and the prototype displacement and acceleration response. Similar concerns come to light from a mismatch in the mass distribution when the aeroelastic effects are present. In this paper, procedures based on the base bending moment of the aeroelastic balance are developed for scaling model test data for predicting the prototype structural response. Currently used aeroelastic modeling practices are critically reviewed in light of this scheme. The proposed procedures capture the dynamics of wind–structure interactions without the shortcomings of current practices.