Reliability-Based Approach to Estimation of Load Factors for Rigid and Flexible Buildings

Abstract eng:
Database-assisted design (DAD) uses time histories of pressures simultaneously measured in the wind tunnel at a large number of pressure taps to calculate structural response to wind. In this paper we present a DAD-compatible probabilistic procedure, and attendant software for estimating wind effects and wind load factors for both low-rise (rigid) and tall (flexible) buildings. The procedure accounts for: (1) uncertainties in the parameters that determine wind effects, (2) wind directionality, and (3) building orientation. The methodology yields estimates of wind effects that are far more realistic than those based on the conventional building code approach for calculating wind effects, which disregards uncertainties in those parameters, as well as the effects of wind directionality and building orientation, or accounts for these effects through the use of a blanket reduction factor. The pilot software on which the calculations presented in this paper are based is a first step toward modern, computer-intensive electronic standards. DAD, in combination with reliability-based procedures, allows the estimation of load factors in a more site- and structure-specific manner. We believe such standards will go a long way toward achieving significantly safer and more economical buildings in regions affected by strong winds.

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