The gust factor approach to evaluate the along-wind response of structures to wind excitation

Abstract

This chapter describes a relatively well developed method for determining the along-wind response of tall buildings to wind excitation using a theoretical approach. It has been found to give good predictions, and is now the basis of along-wind response predictions in some wind loading standards and codes. It is based on the premise that the along-wind motion of a relatively slender building is driven primarily by the onset turbulence, which excites the building as a single degree of freedom system with low damping. The gust factor approach described in this chapter relies heavily on the previous work of researchers such as Vickery, Davenport and others, who developed this theory around 50 years ago.