Aerodynamics of Tall Buildings: Practical Guide for Dummies
Even ancient philosophers and builders considered the peculiar effect that wind had on high-rise structures and significant vertical lines. Practical tips helping to manage the specific of wind loads in certain areas were passed on from generation to generation. Over the centuries this practical approach remained the only mean for people to take into account the effects of the air flow during construction and operation of high-rise buildings. The possibility of preliminary forecasting and research to underpin the design of any high-rise building became possible only with the development of engineering, physics, and in particular the aerodynamics in the 20th century.
Basic Concepts
Aerodynamics as science is traditionally considered to be related to flights and the aviation industry in the first place. In the second place, it is related to the vehicle manufacturing industry. And it is only then when it comes to studying aerodynamic forces that affect buildings. And if earlier the specific influence of wind on the unique vertical lines of buildings were accounted for at random and almost blindly, that periodically led to the need to go to rebuild and improve the erected designs, then when mass high-rise construction became widespread it got vitally important that the aerodynamic component of general engineering and technical design of the building was taken into account.
To better understand the topic of the discussion let us refer to the terminology. Most reference books define aerodynamics as a branch of air flow mechanics that studies the laws of motion of gas (e.g.: air) and the forces that arise on the surface of the body that is surrounded by the gas. The main objectives of aerodynamics are to determine the forces that act on the body that is surrounded by gas, to distribute the pressure on its surface and the velocity of the gas that bypasses it.
The notion of an “aerodynamic force” refers to a force that the gaseous fluid communicates to the surface of the object that is enclosed in it. The calculations take into account the total aerodynamic force (aka “full flow resistance”) that falls into flow resistance, ascending and lateral forces that are perpendicular to the former two ones. In architectural structures it is important to consider the aerodynamic impact to optimize the nature of enclosure structures and to make up for the efforts that have devastating effects on the building.
In its turn the aerodynamics of buildings is defined as a scientific discipline that studies the air flows that arise around structures and inside them. The flows move under the wind action and the temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor air, the ventilation as well as under the environmental effects on the building. When considering the issues of aerodynamics of high-rise buildings and structures, architects and engineering specialists have to consider the peculiarities of formation of turbulent currents around the structure that are considered at different altitudes.
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Text by MARIANNA MAEVSKAYA