Example 5 A tall building 183 m high in a city centre

Design wind loads are required for a tall office building in the Brisbane metropolitan
area. The relevant information is as follows :

Location : CBD Brisbane (Region B)

Terrain : Suburban terrain for all directions.
Topography : ground slope less than 1 in 20 for greater than 5 kilometres
in all directions.
Dimensions : average roof height : 183 metres
Horizontal dimensions: 46 metres 30 metres (rectangular cross-section).
Building orientation : major axis is East-West
Reinforced concrete construction. Curtain wall faade on all four faces
Sway frequencies, na = nc = 0.2 Hertz. Mode shapes are linear (k = 1.0).
Average building density: 160 Kg/m3.

30 m

46 m

183 m

Figure 5.13 183-m tall building

This building (known as the CAARC building), or variations of it, have been used as
benchmarks for wind-tunnel testing.

Regional wind speed

According to the Building Code of Australia (BCA), the structure should be treated as
Level 3. Hence take average recurrence interval, R, for loading and overall structural
response equal to 1000 years.
From Table 3.1 in AS/NZS1170.2, V1000 = 60 m/s (Region B)
For calculation of accelerations, use a 1-year return period, then V1 = 26 m/s
Wind direction multiplier
For Region B, Md = 0.95 for overturning forces and major structural system for all
directions (Section 3.3.2).
For cladding design, Md =1.0 .
Terrain-height multiplier
z=h=183 m, For Terrain Category 3, Mz,cat = M183,cat3 = 1.23 (Table 4.1 by interpolation)
Shielding
There are no other buildings of greater height in any direction. Take Ms, equal to 1.0 for
all directions.
Topography
Topographic Multiplier, Mt = Mh = 1.0
Site wind speed
Site wind speed for all directions for overall loads and main structural design,
Vsit, = 60(0.95)(1.23)(1.0)(1.0) = 70.1 m/s (Equation 2.2)
For acceleration calculations (serviceability),
Vsit, = 26(1.0)(1.23)(1.0)(1.0) = 32.0 m/s (Equation 2.2)
For cladding design,

Vsit, = 60(1.0)(1.23)(1.0)(1.0) = 73.8 m/s (Equation 2.2)

Design wind speeds

For all wind directions, the design wind speeds,
Vdes, = Vsit, = 70.1 m/s (for overall loads and main structure design)
= 32.0 m/s (for accelerations)
= 73.8 m/s (for cladding)

Aerodynamic shape factor

External pressure coefficients
Windward walls : +0.8 for varying z (Table 5.2(A))
Leeward walls (normal to 46m wall): -0.5 (Table 5.2(B))
Leeward walls (normal to 30m walls): -0.39 (Table 5.2(B) by interpolation)
Side walls: -0.65 (Table 5.2(C))
Roof : -1.3 (Table 5.3(A))

Area reduction factors (Section 5.4.2)

For elements greater than 100 m2 in area on roof or side walls, Ka = 0.8
For small elements < 10m2 in area (e.g. glazed curtain wall elements) Ka = 1.0
Action combination factors (Section 5.4.3)
Kc,e= 0.9 for two effective surfaces e.g. lateral pressure on windward and leeward walls
Case (g) in Table 5.5.
Local pressure factors (Table 5.6)
a = minimum of 0.2 30 m = 6 m, or 183 m. a = 6.0 m
limiting tributary areas for local pressure factors : 0.25a2 = 9 m2
a2 = 36 m2
Internal pressures (Section 5.3)
The building can be considered to be effectively sealed.
In this case, Cp,i = -0.2 or 0.0 (Table 5.1(A))
Action combination factor
Kc = 1.0
Dynamic response factor
Cdyn to be obtained from Section 6.2.2 for along-wind response
Cfig. Cdyn to be obtained as a product from Section 6.3.2 for cross-wind response

Calculation of along-wind Cdyn

Turbulence intensity at z = h, Ih = 0.143 (Table 6.1 by interpolation)
Background factor, Bs

h
Lh 85
10

0.25

1
0.26(h s ) 2 0.46bsh
1
Lh

183
85

10

(Equation 6.2(2))

0.25

176m

For b = 46 m, s = 0 (for base bending moment),

1
Bs
0.641
0.26(183) 2 0.46(46) 2
1
176

For b = 30 m, s = 0 (for base bending moment),

1
Bs
0.648
0.26(183) 2 0.46(30) 2
1
176

Hs = 1.0
g R = 1.2 + (2log e (600na ) = 1.2 + (2log e (600(0.20)) = 3.28

Size reduction factor, S

For b = 46 m,

For b = 30 m,

1
3.5na h(1 g v I h ) 4na b0 h (1 g v I h )
1
1

Vdes,
Vdes,

Reduced frequency, N

Et

1 70.8N

2 5/6

na Lh 1 g v I h
Vdes,

(Equation 6.2(4))

(0.746)
(1 + 70.8(0.746)2 )5/6 = 0.107

(ratio of structural damping to critical) : take as 0.03

(maximum value for reinforced concrete buildings see Notes to Clause 6.2.2)

Cdyn

2
2
H g SEt
1 2 I h g v Bs s R

1 2 gv I h

(Equation 6.2(1))

For b = 46 m,

1 + 2(0.143)
Cdyn =
=

(3.4)2 (0.641) +

(1.0)(3.28)2 (0.151)(0.107)
0.03

(1 + 2(3.4)(0.143))

1 + 0.286 [7.410 + 5.794 ]

= 1.023
1.972

For b = 30 m,

1 + 2(0.143)
Cdyn =
=

(1.0)(3.28)2 (0.178)(0.107)
(3.4) (0.648) +
0.03
2

(1 + 2(3.4)(0.143))

1 + 0.286 [7.491 + 6.830 ]

= 1.056
1.972

Calculation of base moment

Calculations were carried out by spreadsheet. Summaries of the results are given in the
following tables.

Wind normal to 46 m wall:

Cfig = Cp,e. Ka. Kc,e. K = +0.8 (1.0) (0.9) (1.0) = 0.72 for windward wall
Cfig = Cp,e. Ka. Kc,e. K = -0.5 (1.0) (0.9) (1.0) = -0.45 for leeward wall
Height
of sector
(m)

Mz,cat 3

171.5
150
130
110
90
70
50
30
10

1.223
1.210
1.190
1.170
1.144
1.110
1.070
1.000
0.830

b.b.moment
contribution

torsion
contribution

(kN)

(MN.m)

(MN.m)

-1436
-1249
-1249
-1249
-1249
-1249
-1249
-1249
-1249

636
477
406
336
268
201
138
77
22

34.1
29.3
28.7
28.1
27.4
26.5
25.4
23.6
19.9

windward
qz.Cfig

leeward
qh.Cfig

windward
qz.Cfig.Cdyn.A

leeward
qh.Cfig.Cdyn.A

(kPa)

(kPa)

(kN)

2.099
2.055
1.988
1.921
1.837
1.729
1.607
1.404
0.967

-1.327
-1.327
-1.327
-1.327
-1.327
-1.327
-1.327
-1.327
-1.327

2272
1934
1871
1808
1729
1628
1512
1321
910

Note - qz denotes : 0.6 Vdes,2

Total along-wind base bending moment obtained by summing contributions from second
last column
= 2560 MN.m
Contributions to the torsional moment are obtained by applying an eccentricity of 9.2 m
(i.e. 0.2b as required by Section 2.5.4) to the sectional forces.
Total base torsion obtained by summing contributions from last column = 243 MN.m

Wind normal to 30 m wall:

Cfig = Cp,e. Ka. Kc,e. K = +0.8 (1.0) (0.9) (1.0) = 0.72 for windward wall
Cfig = Cp,e. Ka. Kc,e. K = -0.39 (1.0) (0.9) (1.0) = -0.35 for leeward wall
Height
of sector
(m)

Mz,cat 3

171.5
150
130
110
90
70
50
30
10

1.223
1.210
1.190
1.170
1.144
1.110
1.070
1.000
0.830

b.b.moment
contribution

torsion
contribution

(kN)

(MN.m)

(MN.m)

-752
-655
-655
-655
-655
-655
-655
-655
-655

391
294
249
206
164
123
84
46
13

13.7
11.7
11.5
11.2
10.9
10.5
10.0
9.3
7.6

windward
qz.Cfig

leeward
qh.Cfig

windward
qz.Cfig.Cdyn.A

leeward
qh.Cfig.Cdyn.A

(kPa)

(kPa)

(kN)

2.099
2.055
1.988
1.922
1.837
1.729
1.607
1.404
0.967

-1.032
-1.032
-1.032
-1.032
-1.032
-1.032
-1.032
-1.032
-1.032

1530
1302
1259
1217
1164
1096
1018
889
613

Total along-wind base bending moment obtained by summing contributions from last
column
= 1570 MN.m
Contributions to the torsional moment are obtained by applying an eccentricity of 6.0 m
(i.e. 0.2b as required by Section 2.5.4) to the sectional forces.
Total base torsion obtained by summing contributions from last column
= 96 MN.m

Cross-wind response
Turbulence intensity at z= 2h/3 (122 m) = 0.159
Wind normal to 46 m face
For wind normal to 46 m face (b=46 m), reduced velocity,
Vdes,
70.1
Vn =
=
= 5.13
ncb(1 + g v I h ) (0.2).46.(1 + (3.4)0.143)
Building dimensions are 6 : 1.5 : 1
For 6 : 1 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.12 from Equation 6.3(7),
log10C fs = 0.000406Vn 4 - 0.0165Vn 3 + 0.201Vn 2 - 0.603Vn - 2.76 = -2.510
For 6 : 1 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.20 from Equation 6.3(8),
log10C fs = 0.000334Vn 4 - 0.0125Vn 3 + 0.141Vn 2 - 0.384Vn - 2.36 = -2.075
By interpolation for 6 : 1 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.159, log10 Cfs = -2.298

For 6 : 2 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.12 from Equation 6.3(9),

-3.2 + 0.0683Vn 2 - 0.000394Vn 4 - 1.675
log10C fs =
=
= -2.996
1 - 0.02Vn 2 + 0.000123Vn 4
0.559
For 6 : 2 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.20 from Equation 6.3(10),
-3.0 + 0.0637Vn 2 - 0.00037Vn 4
-1.580
log 10C fs =
=
= -2.821
2
4
1 - 0.02Vn + 0.000124Vn
0.560
By interpolation for 6 : 2 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.159, log10 Cfs = -2.911
By interpolation for 6 : 1.5 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.159, log10 Cfs = -2.605
Km
b
z
C fig Cdyn 1.5g R

2
d 1 g v I h h
= 1.5( 3.28)

46
30

(1 + ( 3.4)( 0.143))2

z
183

C fs

(Equation 6.3(2))

( 0.00248)
=
0.03

weq ( z ) 0.5 air Vdes, .d .(C figCdyn )

2

hence, Cfs = 0.00248

0.00951 z

(Equation 6.3(1))

= 0.6 (70.1)2 .30.(0.00951z) = 841

z N/m = 0.841 z (kN/m)

Note : this is an inertial force distribution, proportional to the mode shape
Equivalent cross-wind load per unit height is evaluated in the following table.
Height of
sector, z
(m)
171.5
150
130
110
90
70
50
30
10

Force/unit
height
(kN/m)
144.2
126.2
109.3
92.5
75.7
58.9
42.1
25.2
8.4

Sector
height
(m)
23
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20

Sector
force
(kN)
3317
2523
2187
1850
1514
1177
841
505
168

moment
contribution
(MN.m)
568.9
378.5
284.3
203.5
136.2
82.4
42.1
15.1
1.7

Total cross-wind base bending moment obtained by summing contributions from last
column
= 1710 MN.m

Alternatively, using Equation 6.3(3)

0.5 airVdes, 2 2 3
C fs
M c 0.5g R b
h
Km
2

1 g v I h k 2
0.6(70.1)2
(0.00248)
2
( )
N.m
= 0.5(3.28)(46)
2 183 1 (1)
(1 + 3.4(0.143))
0.03
= 1.719 109 N.m = 1720 MN.m

Wind normal to 30 m face

For wind normal to 30 m face (b=30 m), reduced velocity,
Vdes,
70.1
Vn =
=
= 7.86
ncb(1 + gv I h ) (0.2).30.(1 + (3.4)0.143)
Building dimensions are 6 : 1 : 1.5
For 6 : 1 : 2 and I2h/3 = 0.12 from Equation 6.3(11),
log10C fs = 0.000457Vn 3 - 0.0226Vn 2 + 0.396Vn - 4.093 = -2.155
For 6 : 1 : 2 and I2h/3 = 0.20 from Equation 6.3(12),
log10C fs = 0.00038Vn 3 - 0.0197Vn 2 + 0.363Vn - 3.82 = -1.999
By interpolation for 6 : 1 : 2 and I2h/3 = 0.159, log10 Cfs = -2.079
For 6 : 1 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.12 from Equation 6.3(7),
log10C fs = 0.000406Vn 4 - 0.0165Vn 3 + 0.201Vn 2 - 0.603Vn - 2.76 = -1.544
For 6 : 1 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.20 from Equation 6.3(8),
log10C fs = 0.000334Vn 4 - 0.0125Vn 3 + 0.141Vn 2 - 0.384Vn - 2.36 = -1.462
By interpolation for 6 : 1 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.159, log10 Cfs = -1.504
By interpolation for 6 : 1 : 1.5 and I2h/3 = 0.159, log10 Cfs = -1.792
Km
b
z
C fig Cdyn 1.5g R

2
d 1 g v I h h

= 1.5(3.28)

30
46

C fs

1
z
2
(1 + (3.4)(0.143)) 183

(Equation 6.3(2))

(0.0162)
= 0.01034 z
0.03

hence, Cfs = 0.0162

weq ( z ) 0.5 air Vdes, .d .(C figCdyn )

2

(Equation 6.3(1))

= 0.6 (70.1)2 46 (0.01034z) = 1402 z N/m = 1.40 z (kN/m)

Equivalent cross-wind load per unit height is evaluated in the following table
Height of
sector , z
(m)
171.5
150
130
110
90
70
50
30
10

Force/unit
height
(kN/m)
240.1
210.0
182.0
154.0
126.0
98.0
70.0
42.0
14.0

Sector
height
(m)
23
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20

Sector
force
(kN)
5522
4200
3640
3080
2520
1960
1400
840
280

Moment
contribution
(MN.m)
947.1
630.0
473.2
338.8
226.8
137.2
70.0
25.2
2.8

Total cross-wind base bending moment is obtained by summing contributions from last
column
= 2850 MN.m
Alternatively, using Equation 6.3(3)
0.5 airVdes, 2 2 3
C fs
M c 0.5g R b
h
Km
2

1 g v I h k 2
0.6(70.1)2
(0.0162)
2
( )
N.m
2 183 1 (1)
(1 + 3.4(0.143))
0.03
= 2.86 109 N.m = 2860 MN.m
= 0.5(3.28)(30)

Calculation of accelerations
To calculate accelerations for assessment of serviceability of the building, Appendix G is
used.
Mass per unit height, mo = 160 46 30 Kg/m = 2.21105 Kg/m
h1.3/mo = 1831.3/(2.21105) = 0.00395.
Since this exceeds 0.0016, cross-wind
accelerations may be excessive (Equation G1) and should be checked.

Along-wind acceleration calculation

Size reduction factor, S

1
3.5na h(1 g v I h ) 4na b0 h (1 g v I h )
1
1

V
Vdes,
des
,

For b = 46 m,

For b = 30 m,

Reduced frequency, N

Et

1 70.8N

2 5/6

na Lh 1 g v I h
Vdes,

(Equation 6.2(4))

(1.635)
(1 + 70.8(1.635)2 )5/6 = 0.0647

(ratio of structural damping to critical) : take as 0.01

(maximum value for resonant response for reinforced concrete buildings see Notes to
Section 6.2.2)
Calculate dynamic response factor - for resonant response only:

Cdyn,res

H g 2 SEt
2Ih s R

1 2 g v I h

(derived from Equation 6.2(1))

For b = 46 m,

2(0.143)
Cdyn,res =
=

(1.0)(3.28)2 (0.0531)(0.0647)
0.01

(1 + 2(3.4)(0.143))

0.286 [3.698 ]
= 0.279
1.972

For b = 30 m,

2(0.143)
Cdyn,res =
=

(1.0)(3.28)2 (0.0680)(0.0647)
0.01

(1 + 2(3.4)(0.143))

0.286 [4.736 ]
= 0.316
1.972

Calculation of resonant base moments:

These are most easily obtained from previous calculations of peak base bending
moments, by adjusting for changes in Vdes, and Cdyn
For b = 46 m,
Resonant base moment =
For b = 30 m,

= 145 MN.m

Resonant base moment =

= 98 MN.m

Peak along-wind accelerations:

For b = 46 m,
3
3
2
6
xmax
resonant peak base moment =
5
2 145 10 m/s
2
2.21

10

183
mo h
= 0.0588 m/s2 = 0.0588

1000
mg = 6.0 mg
9.8

For b = 30 m,
3
3
2
6
xmax
resonant peak base moment =
5
2 98 10 m/s
2
2.21

10

183
mo h

1000
mg = 4.1 mg
9.8
These accelerations are well within accepted comfort criteria, e.g. for office buildings
ISO 10137:2007 allows 0.13 m/s2 for office buildings at the frequency of 0.2 Hertz.
= 0.0397 m/s2 = 0.0397

Cross-wind acceleration calculation

Wind normal to 46 m face
For wind normal to 46 m face (b=46 m), reduced velocity,
Vdes,
32.0
Vn =
=
= 2.34
ncb(1 + gvIh ) (0.2 ). 46.(1 +(3.4 )
0.143)
Building dimensions are 6 : 1.5 : 1
For 6 : 2 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.12 from Equation 6.3(9),
-3.2 + 0.0683Vn2 - 0.000394Vn 4
-2.838
log10 Cfs =
=
= -3.174
2
4
1- 0.02Vn + 0.000123Vn
0.894
For 6 : 2 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.20 from Equation 6.3(10),
3.0 + 0.0637Vn2 0.00037Vn 4
-2.662
log10 Cfs =
=
= -2.978
2
4
1- 0.02Vn + 0.000124Vn
0.894
By interpolation for 6 : 2 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.159, log10 Cfs = -3.078
For 6 : 1 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.12 from Equation 6.3(7),
log10 Cfs = 0.000406Vn4 - 0.0165Vn3 + 0.201Vn2 - 0.603Vn - 2.76 = -3.270
For 6 : 1 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.20 from Equation 6.3(8),
log10 Cfs = 0.000334Vn4 - 0.0125Vn3 + 0.141Vn2 - 0.384Vn - 2.36 = -2.637
By interpolation for 6 : 1 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.159, log10 Cfs = -2.961
By interpolation for 6 : 1.5 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.159, log10 Cfs = -3.02.
Hence, Cfs = 0.000956
ymax

1.5bg R

mo

0.5 airVdes, 2
C fs
K

2 m

1 g v I h

(Equation G3(1))

2
1.5(46 )(3.28 )
0.6(32.0 )
(0.000956) 2
m/s
1)
2 (
5
(1 +(3.4 )(0.143 )
)
2.21 10
0.01

= 0.156 m/s2 = 0.156.(

1000
)
mg = 15.9 mg
9.8

Wind normal to 30 m face

For wind normal to 30 m face (b=30 m), reduced velocity,
Vdes,
32.0
Vn =
=
= 3.59
ncb(1 + gvIh ) (0.2 )
30.(1 +(3.4 )
0.143)
Building dimensions are 6 :1: 1.5

For 6 : 1 : 2 and I2h/3 = 0.12 from Equation 6.3(11),

log10 Cfs = 0.000457Vn3 - 0.0226Vn2 + 0.396Vn - 4.093 = -2.941
For 6 : 1 : 2 and I2h/3 = 0.20 from Equation 6.3(12),
log10 Cfs = 0.00038Vn3 - 0.0197Vn2 + 0.363Vn - 3.82 = -2.753
By interpolation for 6 : 1 : 2 and I2h/3 = 0.159, log10 Cfs = -2.849
For 6 : 1 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.12 from Equation 6.3(7),
log10 Cfs = 0.000406Vn4 - 0.0165Vn3 + 0.201Vn2 - 0.603Vn - 2.76 = -3.030
For 6 : 1 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.20 from Equation 6.3(8),
log10 Cfs = 0.000334Vn4 - 0.0125Vn3 + 0.141Vn2 - 0.384Vn - 2.36 = -2.444
By interpolation for 6 : 1 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.159, log10 Cfs = -2.744
By interpolation for 6 : 1.5 : 1 and I2h/3 = 0.159, log10 Cfs = -2.797
ymax

1.5bg R
mo

0.5 airVdes, 2
C fs
K

2 m

1 g v I h

hence, Cfs = 0.00160

(Equation G3(1))

2
1.5(30 )(3.28 )
0.6(32.0 )
(0.00160) 2
m/s
=
1)
2 (
5
(
)
2.21 10
0.01
1 +(3.4 )(0.143 )

= 0.132 m/s2 = 0.132.(

1000
)
mg = 13.4 mg
9.8

The peak cross-wind accelerations are on the limit of acceptability for office buildings
according to ISO 10137, at the natural frequency of 0.2 Hertz, some remedial action may
be required (wind-tunnel tests may reduce the predicted accelerations).

Cladding pressures
(note: these are ultimate limit states design loads)
For elements less than 9 m2 in area on walls at height z:
Cfig (external) = Cp,e. Ka. Kc,e. K = +0.8 (1.0) (0.9) (1.5) = +1.08 (positive case WA1)
(Note: Kc,e = 0.9 for two effective surfaces)
pext, z = (0.5 air) Vdes,2 Cfig Cdyn = (0.5)(1.2) (73.8)2(Mz,cat3/1.23)2 (+1.08)(1.0)
= +3529(Mz,cat3/1.23)2 Pa = +3.53(Mz,cat3/1.23)2 kPa
Cfig (internal) = -0.2 (1.0) = -0.2
pint = (0.5 air) Vdes,2 Cfig Cdyn = (0.5)(1.2) (73.8)2 (-0.2)(1.0) = -654 Pa = -0.65 kPa
Net pressure across element = 3.53(Mz,cat3/1.23)2 + 0.65 kPa
For elements less than 9 m2 in area on walls within a distance of 3 m from corners:
Cfig (external) = Cp,e. Ka. Kc,e. K = -0.65 (1.0) (1.0) (3.0) = -1.95 (negative case)
pext = (0.5 air) Vdes,2 Cfig Cdyn = (0.5)(1.2) (73.8)2 (-1.95)(1.0) = -6372 Pa = -6.37 kPa
pint = 0 kPa
Net pressure across element = -6.37 - (0.0) = -6.37 kPa
For elements less than 36 m2 in area on walls within a distance of 6 m from corners:
Cfig (external) = Cp,e. Ka. Kc,e. K = -0.65 (1.0) (1.0) (2.0) = -1.3 (negative case)
pext = (0.5 air) Vdes,2 Cfig Cdyn = (0.5)(1.2) (73.8)2 (-1.3)(1.0) = -4248 Pa = -4.25 kPa
pint = 0 kPa
Net pressure across element = -4.25 - (0.0) = -4.25 kPa
For elements less than 9 m2 in area on walls greater than a distance of 6 m from corners:
Cfig (external) = Cp,e. Ka. Kc,e. K = -0.65 (1.0)(1.0) (1.5) = -0.975 (negative case)
pext = (0.5 air) Vdes,2 Cfig Cdyn = (0.5)(1.2) (73.8)2 (-0.975)(1.0) = -3186 Pa = -3.19 kPa
pint = 0 kPa
Net pressure across element = -3.19 - (0.0) = -3.19 kPa
For elements greater than 9 m2 in area on walls greater than a distance of 6 m from
corners:
Cfig (external) = Cp,e. Ka. Kc,e. K = -0.65 (1.0) (1.0) (1.0) = -0.65 (negative case)
pext = (0.5 air) Vdes,2 Cfig Cdyn = (0.5)(1.2) (73.8)2 (-0.65)(1.0) = -2124 Pa = -2.12 kPa
pint = 0 kPa
Net pressure across element = -2.12 - (0.0) = -2.12 kPa