International Comparison of Wind Tunnel Estimates of Wind Effects on Low-Rise Buildings: Test-Related Uncertainties

The consistency of measurements in various wind tunnels is of concern to designers and code writers. This study attempts to quantify the variability of wind effects estimates based on tests conducted at six wind tunnel laboratories. Pressure tap measurements were made on wind tunnel models of four buildings. Comparisons were made between estimated 50th percenttiles of (1) peak positive moments in a frame section near the knee joint and (2) peak pressure coefficients of a roof tap nearest a building corner. Modeling of suburban terrain contributes significantly to the variability. Other factors are eave height, wind direction, and frame location within the building. Coefficients of variation were about 10-40%. A subsequent phase of this research entails a detailed analysis of the reasons for the variabilities. The results could help future improvement of wind load factors that account for all relevant uncertainties in the estimation of wind effects and efforts to improve and standardize wind tunnel simulations. © 2008 ASCE.