Local or Micro or Minor Aerodynamic Modifications in Tall Buildings: A Critical Review

Abstract

Tall buildings are going taller and taller in height, because of innovation in structural systems by new construction techniques and advances in engineering methodologies. Traditionally, instead of aerodynamic considerations, the shape and orientation of tall buildings are taken into account by architectural studies, design quality, and site location, etc. One of the most prominent parameters that influence design wind load and responses is the outer configuration of the building. As a result, they’re bluff bodies associated with high motion induced by the wind structure. Aerodynamic modifications are the primary effective strategy to improve the safety and serviceability of tall buildings during strong winds. Based on the effect of change in the structure’s outer geometry, the aerodynamic modifications are divided into two groups, i.e. local or micro or minor (corner-cut, recession, etc.) and global or macro or major (twisting, setback, etc.) modifications. Also, this study comprehensively explores the recent/past local or micro or minor aerodynamic modifications on tall buildings. Local or Micro or Minor modifications(corner-cut, corner rounding, chamfering, etc can result in a 30-60 percent reduction in wind load as they facilitate the reattachment of the shear layer and narrow down the wake area on the building's leeward face. Aerodynamic modifications significantly reduce the impact of wind load on tall buildings, and this study provides a quick summary of different local or micro or minor aerodynamic modifications to reduce wind load on tall buildings.