| VERTICAL
UPDATE
High-Rise News & Updates
for Las Vegas
| Shape Shifters—Wind
Testing for High-Rise Structures |
by: Brenda Calvin,
The Calvin Group, LLC
|
 There
are many different professions required to construct a high-rise
building. So many different specialists, consultants and craftsman
must work together in order for everything to occur in the
correct sequence. Like a great symphony, each instrument plays
its unique melody, blending together to create one unified
sound.
The more commonly known
professions are: the developer, the architect, the general
contractor, a variety of engineers (e.g. civil, mechanical,
structural, sound), electricians, plumbers, air-conditioning/heating
technicians, etc. However, there are many, possibly lesser-known
players who bring extremely valuable contributions to a new
construction building. One such entity is the wind engineering
company, whose expertise lies in the wind-induced behavior
of structures.
In the design phase, wind
engineering helps to identify the sometimes dangerous vortexes
created by the shape and edges of a building. In many cases,
a slight alteration to the design of the building can make
all the difference to the movement of the building and the
structural integrity during high winds. One of the positive
effects of such an alteration from wind testing is that the
building will have less sway, making it much more comfortable
for residents. Dr. Nicholas Isyumov, a wind consultant for
Alan G. Davenport Wind Engineering Group, says “All
structures move in the wind; the question is the amount of
motion. As buildings become taller and more slender, the motion
becomes greater.”
Sometimes it is determined
(through the wind tests) that a damper—a device that
counteracts sway at the top of the building—is necessary,
especially in super-tall buildings above 80 stories. Serving
in a very practical capacity, two extremely large dampers
installed on the 90th floor of the new Shanghai World Financial
Center in China will serve as an unusual centerpiece for visitors
to the building to view from the observation level.
The wind engineering firm
simultaneously tests for extreme weather conditions, such
as tornados, typhoons or hurricanes, to determine if the proposed
structural engineering will withstand these extreme pressures
and forces. In addition to the wind-tunnel testing, there
is extensive research done on the local weather patterns and
most common wind directions in the location of the proposed
building. Based on these findings and the severity of the
vortexes, recommendations may be made to alter the shape or
design of the building.
 Peter
Irwin, partner of RWDI in Toronto, Canada, has done many such
tests for buildings planned all over the world. In fact, Peter
did the wind testing for several buildings in our own city
of Las Vegas: The Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, and
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. RWDI specializes in studying
the interaction of buildings and the wind using its boundary
layer wind tunnels, model-building capabilities, and extensive
instrumentation. The firm deals with all kinds of facilities
on a worldwide basis, offering architects and engineers assistance
in designing building exteriors, roof systems and structural
systems.
How is a wind test performed?
Most wind studies include utilizing a very large wind tunnel—an
elaborate computer-controlled tunnel with a very large fan—capable
of creating a 100 km/hour wind simulation. The wind-testing
company creates an extensive model replica of not only the
proposed building, but all of the buildings surrounding the
proposed building within an estimated five-mile radius. There
are several thousand sensors placed strategically all over
the model building. When the engineers engage the large fan
in the wind tunnel, computers track and record the resistance
and watch for anomalies such as vortexes created by the building
itself. You may be wondering how one can visually see if vortexes
are created. The engineers utilize smoke to visually identify
the movement and swirling patterns, but they are also detected
by the sensors and extensive instrumentation utilized. Obviously,
the wind engineering firm must be involved from the early
stages of design, but the architects must likewise have an
initial design.
Many of the more contemporary
buildings have more complex geometry with twisting, tapering
or unusual shapes. This makes wind testing even more important.
After all, the safety of the occupants is the underlying goal.
RWDI’s wind engineering
practice also involves the study of wind impacts on pedestrian
areas. The purpose of these studies is to assist building
designers in overcoming uncomfortable, occasionally dangerous,
wind conditions which occur at the base of tall or exposed
buildings. Such conditions are best determined at the early
design stage so that modifications can be made. Many building
codes require that the pedestrian level wind impact of new
buildings be studied as part of the planning approval process.
The usability of facilities can be seriously impaired by adverse
ground-level wind conditions in urban areas, and any other
location where the wind and building aerodynamics combine
to create discomfort. Then the engineering firm can determine
a practical solution to remedy this challenge.
 Wind
can also be in harmony with a high-rise building as a means
to harness energy for use in the building itself. A number
of new buildings have been designed with wind turbines cleverly
built into the façade to harness the winds. In many
cases, a large percentage of the electrical needs in a building
can be generated by this method. A beautiful development designed
by Shaun Killa of Atkins Architects was completed this month,
Bahrain World Trade Center. The project was designed with
three large-scale wind turbines located between two buildings.
In fact, the buildings were designed and positioned by studying
wind patterns, to maximize harvesting of wind. Up to 25 percent
of the electrical needs of the buildings will be realized
from tapping into this energy source. What a marvelous idea
to assist with our battle against global warming—wind
as an ally.
Whether the wind engineer
is testing to minimize the effect of the wind on a building
or testing to maximize wind for its energy, the role is an
important one. Much thanks to all the wind engineers around
the world for their dedicated pursuit of measuring and forecasting
these unseen but nevertheless impactful forces.
Until next time, here’s
wishing you “elevated sales.”
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Brenda
Calvin is the Broker of The Calvin Group, LLC, and has
a 20-year successful track record of selling high-rise
and mid-rise condominiums in multiple states. The Calvin
Group is a boutique brokerage specializing the innovative
sales, marketing and developer consulting of residential
high-rise properties. To contact Brenda, you may phone
(702) 939-5638 or e-mail Brenda@TheCalvinGroup.com.
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