Wind and Structures

Volume 11, Number 1, 2008, pages 1-18

DOI: 10.12989/was.2008.11.1.001

Interference effects in a group of tall buildings closely arranged in an L- or T-shaped pattern

J. G . Zhao and K. M. Lam

Abstract

Interference effects in five square tall buildings arranged in an L- or T-shaped pattern are investigated in the wind tunnel. Mean and fluctuating shear forces, overturning moments and torsional moment are measured on each building with a force balance mounted at its base. Results are obtained at two values of clear separation between adjacent buildings, at half and a quarter building breadth. It is found that strong interference effect exists on all member buildings, resulting in significant modifications of wind loads as compared with the isolated single building case. Sheltering effect is observed on wind loads acting along the direction of an arm of the

Key Words

interference effect; wind loads; sheltering; channeling.

Address

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong