Equivalent static methods for dynamic analysis of tall buildings under wind loads in Cuba

Abstract

Current designs of tall buildings are characterized by a gradual increase in height, greater slenderness and the use of lightweight materials, so they are highly susceptible to the dynamic actions of wind load. The gust effect factor (FER) method is used in several international standards for the determination of the dynamic response of tall buildings under wind load, this method differs from the methodology used by the current Cuban wind standard (NC285, 2003). This paper compares the current Cuban standard NC285 (2003) with the proposed update according to the wind parameters, the equivalent static method used, the values of base shear and maximum displacements considering as objects of study two buildings of 100 and 152 m high. In addition, a calculation procedure of the acting accelerations and the permissible limit acceleration criteria are presented. The results for the buildings under study show that the maximum across wind acceleration governs the serviceability state for the comfort studies and the maximum displacement values are higher for the new proposed standard only in the wind direction coming directly from the sea.