Effects of approach flow conditions and design wind speeds on the aerodynamic performance of staggered double corner recession strategies for high-rise buildings

Approach flow conditions and design wind speeds have significant effects on the aerodynamic behavior of high-rise buildings. However, the discussion on this topic is limited. To fill the gap, this study investigates the effects of both the approach flows and design wind speeds on tall buildings with various corner geometries. Six staggered double corner recession (SDCR) models were tested using high-frequency force balance (HFFB) wind tunnel testing under suburban and open terrain conditions. The structural responses (overturning moment, roof drift, and roof acceleration) for each model were examined considering a broad range of design wind speeds. The results indicate that the roof drifts for SDCR models are reduced by more than 50% for design wind speeds higher than 70 m/s. However, the effectiveness is significantly decreased as wind speed decreases due to the shift of vortex shedding frequency. The structural responses could be amplified as high as by 40% in comparison with the benchmark model at wind speeds of 40 m/s to 50 m/s. These adverse behaviors are more significant under open terrain condition (low turbulence intensity). In the end, practical suggestions are made to achieve a successful and conservative wind design for high-rise buildings.