Aerodynamic and peak response interference factors for an upstream square building of identical height

The wind loading of tall buildings in an urban environment is often greatly affected by aerodynamic interference resulting from the interaction of approaching wind with upstream and adjacent structures. Interference effects are not currently considered in wind loading codes, primarily due to the complexity of involved variables. Advice on building configurations which have the potential to generate problematic interference effects would be useful for structural engineers and urban planners. Wind tunnel tests were carried out to assess the interference effects associated with a single upstream building having identical height and geometry to the building of interest. The data are presented as interference factors (IFs) relating the loading and response under interference to that of an isolated building, and the underlying aerodynamic mechanisms are discussed. Contour plots are presented and discussed for IFs corresponding to: (i) the aerodynamic wind loading and; (ii) the peak response. The interference factors associated with the peak responses are useful for the identification of potential interference issues in the preliminary design or siting phase of a project. The results indicate that, depending on combinations of exposure and dynamic properties, the peak response IF may approach the same order as the partial wind load factor in some codes.