Wind-Induced Vibration Coefficient of Landscape Tower with Curved and Twisted Columns and Spiral Beams Based on Wind Tunnel Test Data

Abstract

The complex aerodynamic shape and structural form affect the wind-induced vibration coefficient β of landscape towers with a twisted column and spiral beam (short for LTs). To clarify the β distribution characteristics, evaluate the applicability of existing load codes, and provide accurate design wind loads, wind tunnel tests and numerical simulations were carried out on a LT. The LT’s aerodynamic coefficients and wind-induced responses were measured using rigid sectional and aeroelastic models. Furthermore, the displacement wind-induced vibration coefficient βd and inertial load wind-induced vibration coefficient βi(z) of the LT were calculated from these measured data. Combined with test data and a finite element model, the impacts of the wind speed spectrum type, the structural damping ratio ξ, and the peak factor g on β of the LT are analyzed. The accuracy of β of the LT calculated by Chinese and American load codes was examined and given the correction method. The results showed that the wind yaw angle had a significant impact on βd of the LT, which cannot be neglected in current load codes. The abrupt mass increase at the platform location makes the distribution characteristics of βi(z) of the LT different from conventional high-rise structures. The values of ξ and g have a significant impact on the calculation results of β, which are the key to the accurate design wind loads of LTs. The existing load codes are not suitable for LTs, and the correction method proposed in this paper can be used to improve them.