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 façade 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)

1
Background factor, Bs  (Equation 6.2(2))
0.26(h  s ) 2  0.46bsh
2

1
Lh

0.25 0.25
h  183 
Lh  85   85   176m
 10   10 

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

1
Bs   0.641
1

0.26(183) 2  0.46(46) 2 
176

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

1
Bs   0.648
1

0.26(183) 2  0.46(30) 2 
176

Hs = 1.0

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

1
Size reduction factor, S 
 3.5na h(1  g v I h )   4na b0 h (1  g v I h ) 
1   1  
 Vdes,  Vdes, 
For b = 46 m,

For b = 30 m,
 na Lh 1  g v I h 
Reduced frequency, N 
Vdes,

N
Et  (Equation 6.2(4))
1  70.8N 
2 5/6

π(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)

 2 H g SEt 
2
1  2 I h  g v Bs  s R 
  
Cdyn  (Equation 6.2(1))
1  2 gv I h 

For b = 46 m,
(1.0)(3.28)2 (0.151)(0.107)
1 + 2(0.143) (3.4)2 (0.641) +
0.03
Cdyn =
(1 + 2(3.4)(0.143))
1 + 0.286 [7.410 + 5.794 ]
= = 1.023
1.972

For b = 30 m,
2 (1.0)(3.28)2 (0.178)(0.107)
1 + 2(0.143) (3.4) (0.648) +
0.03
Cdyn =
(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 Mz,cat 3 windward leeward windward leeward b.b.moment torsion

qz.Cfig qh.Cfig qz.Cfig.Cdyn.A qh.Cfig.Cdyn.A contribution contribution
of sector
(kPa) (kPa) (kN) (kN) (MN.m) (MN.m)
(m)
171.5 1.223 2.099 -1.327 2272 -1436 636 34.1
150 1.210 2.055 -1.327 1934 -1249 477 29.3
130 1.190 1.988 -1.327 1871 -1249 406 28.7
110 1.170 1.921 -1.327 1808 -1249 336 28.1
90 1.144 1.837 -1.327 1729 -1249 268 27.4
70 1.110 1.729 -1.327 1628 -1249 201 26.5
50 1.070 1.607 -1.327 1512 -1249 138 25.4
30 1.000 1.404 -1.327 1321 -1249 77 23.6
10 0.830 0.967 -1.327 910 -1249 22 19.9

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 Mz,cat 3 windward leeward windward leeward b.b.moment torsion

qz.Cfig qh.Cfig qz.Cfig.Cdyn.A qh.Cfig.Cdyn.A contribution contribution
of sector
(kPa) (kPa) (kN) (kN) (MN.m) (MN.m)
(m)
171.5 1.223 2.099 -1.032 1530 -752 391 13.7
150 1.210 2.055 -1.032 1302 -655 294 11.7
130 1.190 1.988 -1.032 1259 -655 249 11.5
110 1.170 1.922 -1.032 1217 -655 206 11.2
90 1.144 1.837 -1.032 1164 -655 164 10.9
70 1.110 1.729 -1.032 1096 -655 123 10.5
50 1.070 1.607 -1.032 1018 -655 84 10.0
30 1.000 1.404 -1.032 889 -655 46 9.3
10 0.830 0.967 -1.032 613 -655 13 7.6

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,θ 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 4 = = -2.821
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 hence, Cfs = 0.00248

b Km z
k
C fs
C fig Cdyn  1.5g R   2   (Equation 6.3(2))
 d  1  g v I h   h  

46 1 z π( 0.00248)
= 1.5( 3.28) = 0.00951 z
30 (1 + ( 3.4)( 0.143))2 183 0.03

weq ( z )  0.5 air Vdes,  .d .(C figCdyn )

2
(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 Force/unit Sector Sector moment

sector, z height height force contribution
(m) (kN/m) (m) (kN) (MN.m)
171.5 144.2 23 3317 568.9
150 126.2 20 2523 378.5
130 109.3 20 2187 284.3
110 92.5 20 1850 203.5
90 75.7 20 1514 136.2
70 58.9 20 1177 82.4
50 42.1 20 841 42.1
30 25.2 20 505 15.1
10 8.4 20 168 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  2 
h  Km
 1  g v I h    k  2  

0.6(70.1)2 2 π(0.00248)
= 0.5(3.28)(46) ( )
2 183 1 (1) N.m
(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,θ 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 hence, Cfs = 0.0162

b Km z
k
C fs
C fig Cdyn  1.5g R   2   (Equation 6.3(2))
 d  1  g v I h   h  

30 1 z π(0.0162)
= 1.5(3.28) = 0.01034 z
46 (1 + (3.4)(0.143)) 183
2
0.03
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 Force/unit Sector Sector Moment

sector , z height height force contribution
(m) (kN/m) (m) (kN) (MN.m)
171.5 240.1 23 5522 947.1
150 210.0 20 4200 630.0
130 182.0 20 3640 473.2
110 154.0 20 3080 338.8
90 126.0 20 2520 226.8
70 98.0 20 1960 137.2
50 70.0 20 1400 70.0
30 42.0 20 840 25.2
10 14.0 20 280 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  2 
h  Km
 1  g v I h    k  2  

0.6(70.1)2 2 π(0.0162)
= 0.5(3.28)(30) ( )
2 183 1 (1) N.m
(1 + 3.4(0.143)) 0.03
= 2.86  109 N.m = 2860 MN.m

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 = 2.21105 Kg/m

h1.3/mo = 1831.3/(2.21105) = 0.00395. Since this exceeds 0.0016, cross-wind

accelerations may be excessive (Equation G1) and should be checked.
Along-wind acceleration calculation

1
Size reduction factor, S 
 3.5na h(1  g v I h )   4na b0 h (1  g v I h ) 
1   1  
 Vdes ,  Vdes, 
For b = 46 m,

For b = 30 m,

na Lh 1  g v I h 
Reduced frequency, N 
Vdes,

N
Et  (Equation 6.2(4))
1  70.8N  2 5/6

π(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:

 H g 2 SEt 
2Ih  s R 
  
Cdyn,res  (derived from Equation 6.2(1))
1  2 g v I h 
For b = 46 m,
(1.0)(3.28)2 (0.0531)(0.0647)
2(0.143)
0.01
Cdyn,res =
(1 + 2(3.4)(0.143))
0.286 [3.698 ]
= = 0.279
1.972

For b = 30 m,
(1.0)(3.28)2 (0.0680)(0.0647)
2(0.143)
0.01
Cdyn,res =
(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,θ and Cdyn

For b = 46 m,
Resonant base moment = = 145 MN.m
For b = 30 m,
Resonant base moment = = 98 MN.m

Peak along-wind accelerations:

For b = 46 m,
3 3
xmax  2
 resonant peak base moment = 5
6
2 × 145 × 10 m/s
2
mo h 2.21× 10 × 183
1000
= 0.0588 m/s2 = 0.0588 × mg = 6.0 mg
9.8
For b = 30 m,
3 3
xmax  2
 resonant peak base moment = 5
6
2 × 98 × 10 m/s
2
mo h 2.21× 10 × 183
1000
= 0.0397 m/s2 = 0.0397 × 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.
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
1- 0.02Vn + 0.000123Vn
2 4
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
1- 0.02Vn + 0.000124Vn
2 4
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

1.5bg R  0.5 airVdes, 2  C fs

ymax   2  m
K (Equation G3(1))
mo  1  g v I h   

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

1000
= 0.156 m/s2 = 0.156.( )
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 hence, Cfs = 0.00160

1.5bg R  0.5 airVdes, 2  C fs

ymax   2  m
K (Equation G3(1))
mo  1  g v I h   

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

1000
= 0.132 m/s2 = 0.132.( )
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