Definition of Wind Loads on the Riyadh Western Metro Station

Abstract

Design of large modern structures can be strongly affected by wind actions, in terms of dynamic loading as well as peak façade cladding load. The wind forcing can be described by means of CFD analysis as well by wind tunnel tests using a scaled model instrumented with pressure taps. The density and the distribution of pressure taps on the building surface is critical, as well as the averaging of the surface pressure time history for the definition of the wind actions. Dynamic actions are calculated using a modal approach, while pressure excitation is computed according to time equivalent area averaging. The definition of the time equivalent area averaging is carefully analysed, in order to provide pressure values consistent with the forcing area.