Buffeting by gusts in strong winds can cause dynamic loads in building structures. Engineering Sciences Ethiopia (ESE), in association with Global Wind Technology Services Pty Ltd, is equipped to determine building responses to buffeting using state-of-the-art wind engineering techniques. Depending on the complexity of the project, we employ methods such as desktop studies, wind tunnel testing, or a combination of wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

Desktop Study

A desktop study of structural wind loads is based on experience, literature review, and building codes and standards. Some of the standards and references we use include:

• EBCS
• Eurocode
• AS/NZS 1170.2:2021
• ASCE 7-10
• IBC 2012

We can also utilize any standard required by our clients.

Wind Tunnel Study

Wind tunnel studies of structural wind loads typically use one of three techniques: High Frequency Base Balance, Simultaneous Pressure Integration, and Aeroelastic methods.

• High Frequency Base Balance (HFBB): This method involves using a lightweight, rigid, geometrically similar model of the prototype building mounted on a stiff base balance. Wind tunnel measured values combined with structural data provided by structural engineers enable a complete and accurate prediction of building responses. HFBB has significant advantages over older aeroelastic (stick model) techniques, which require scaled prototypes tuned to scaled values of mass, damping, and stiffness. However, HFBB is not suitable for structures with significant torsional responses, which require a full aeroelastic test.
• Simultaneous Pressure Integration: This method involves simultaneous local pressure measurements at all locations on the building. These local pressures are integrated at each sample time to predict overall structural forces and moments. This method is similar to HFBB but requires a high resolution of pressure taps to capture all local effects contributing to global structural loads. The main advantage is that it provides both structural loads and local façade pressure predictions in one test.
• Aeroelastic Method: This is one of the oldest methods in wind tunnel studies of structural loads. The full aeroelastic method remains the most valuable for determining dynamic loads for very flexible structures. It reproduces the scales of the building’s mass, damping, stiffness, and frequencies. This method can be combined with the HFBB method to reduce cost and time, using HFBB for the initial design stage and refining the final design with a full aeroelastic wind tunnel test. GWTS engineers will assist you in determining the appropriate method for your project.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Study

CFD is used as a complement to desktop or wind tunnel studies. Vortex shedding and the effects of building shape can be easily investigated using CFD.