Aerodynamic characteristics and structural effects of suspending scaffolds for super high-rise building construction

Abstract

This study physically and numerically investigated the wind-induced loads and structural effects of suspending scaffolds for an integral steel platform system. Specifically, the wind load shape coefficients for the suspending scaffolds were determined based on wind tunnel tests, and the influences of protective net blocking ratios (denoted as α_f) and the interference effects of the adjacent core tube with varying blocking ratios (denoted as α_t) on the wind loads were systematically investigated. Subsequently, the wind-induced responses of the suspending scaffolds were analyzed based on transient dynamic analysis methods. The results indicate that the existing Code provisions regarding wind loads on suspending scaffolds tend to be conservative. The wind load shape coefficient of the suspending scaffolds is directly proportional to α_f and inversely proportional to α_t. Accordingly, the maximum wind load shape coefficient (0.933) occurs at the α_t = 0.5 and α_f = 0.7, while the minimum one (0.263) is observed at the α_t = 0.8 and α_f = 0.4. Additionally, an empirical model for the critical wind load shape coefficient envelope of the suspending scaffolds, accounting for the impacts of the α_f, α_t, and flow field characteristics (i.e., uniform and turbulent flow fields), was developed to guide the relevant structural wind-resistant design. Notably, the maximum wind-induced responses of the suspending scaffolds occur at the middle of the bottom edge on the windward side, emphasizing the need for targeted reinforcement measures in this area to ensure structural safety.