Impact of sloped terrain on wind loads in high-rise Buildings: An experimental wind tunnel investigation

Abstract

Topographic wind effects can significantly enhance wind loads on high-rise buildings, leading to structural damage, occupant discomfort, and increased safety risks. This study investigates the impact of sloped terrain on wind loads through synchronized pressure measurements in a wind tunnel. We tested square-sectioned high-rise building models under various slope gradients and building-slope spacings. Our analysis systematically compared disturbed wind profiles, surface pressure distributions, and wind forces on the building model across different terrains. The findings indicate that sloped terrains intensify flow acceleration, amplifying mean wind pressures by approximately 20 % on upper building sections (z/H > 0.7) compared to flat terrain. Moreover, terrain-induced turbulence increases fluctuating pressures and alters flow structures near a building's base. Interestingly, the increase in terrain slope is positively associated with the intensity of terrain-induced turbulence; however, flow acceleration does not exhibit a linear relationship with the terrain slope. Under identical terrain heights, a mild slope may induce a great degree of acceleration, leading to a more substantial increase in wind loading. These results provide direct evidence for wind load regulations for buildings situated in sloped terrain.