Alan Moore

BE (Hons), BCom
Postgraduate Research student
Wind Engineering Services
Environmental Fluids


School of Civil Engineering, Room 101
Phone: +61 2 9351 2145
Fax: +61 2 9351 3343
Email: A.Moore@civil.usyd.edu.au

Research project - Wind-induced Response of a Tall Building

Supervisor: Dr Graeme Wood
Associate Supervisor: Prof Kim Rasmussen

Tall buildings are complex structures to design, particularly when dynamic forces from wind or earthquakes are expected to be significant contributors to the total loading. The complexity arises since the response of a structure to dynamic loading requires a detailed understanding of the dynamic characteristics of the structure. These characteristics include the natural frequencies, damping ratios and mode shapes. Every facet of the structure influences the dynamic characteristics; for example the foundations, structural system and construction materials. The influence of each facet can be quantified, but not easily. In addition, tall buildings are not constructed to exacting standards, which is further compounded when using non-homogeneous materials such as reinforced concrete.

Initial phases of tall building design rely on both analytical and numerical techniques, as well as scaled model tests in certain circumstances. Finite element analysis is an example of an numerical technique, and is commonly used to determine the dynamic characteristics of a tall building. To estimate the wind loads and wind-induced response of the structure, a wind tunnel model test is often conducted for tall buildings. Both of these techniques are based upon fundamental mechanics, however, in the case of tall buildings, the estimates attained are seldom validated with full-scale results. Since tall buildings are a unique product that are not mass produced from a production line, one could argue against the benefits of validating the design. Alternatively, the validation of tall building designs can be seen as an integral step that will expand understanding for future designs.

This research aims to validate the full-scale response of a 200 metre tall building. Structural response results from a full-scale monitoring programme of a tall building are compared with the predicted response from finite element models and wind tunnel models. Monitoring of the structure will commence during the early stages of construction, and continue throughout construction and occupation by the tenant. The data collected during the construction phases are expected to aid comparisons with the finite element model, and allow updating of the model to improve predictions of natural frequency and mode shapes. After the completion of construction, the monitoring programme focuses on recording the full-scale wind-induced response using an integrated system of anemometers, accelerometers and GPS receivers. The results are used to validate response estimates from rigid model wind tunnel tests.

Selected Publications

• Moore, A.J. and Wood, G.S., 'Comparison of dynamic characteristics from full-scale measurements and finite element models of a tall building,' 12th Australasian Wind Engineering Society Workshop, Queenstown, New Zealand, February 2006.
• Moore, A.J. and Wood, G.S., 'Measurement of dynamic characteristics of a tall building,' 11th Australasian Wind Engineering Society Workshop, Darwin, Australia, June 2004.

Learning and Teaching Duties

• ENGG1802 Engineering Mechanics
• CIVL2201 Structural Mechanics
• CIVL2611 Fluid Mechanics
• CIVL3612 Fluids and Environmental Engineering