Wind effect on super-tall buildings using computational fluid dynamics and structural dynamics

Super-tall buildings located in high velocity wind regions are highly vulnerable to large lateral loads. Designing for these structures must be done with great engineering judgment by structural professionals. Present methods of evaluating these loads are typically by the use of American Society of Civil Engineers 7-10 standard, field measurements or scaled wind tunnel models. With the rise of high performance computing nodes, an emerging method based on the numerical approach of Computational Fluid Dynamics has created an additional layer of analysis and loading prediction alternative to conventional methods. The present document uses turbulence modeling and numerical algorithms by means of Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes and Large Eddy Simulation equations applied to a square prismatic prototype structure in which its dynamic properties have also been investigated. With proper modeling of the atmospheric boundary layer flow, these numerical techniques reveal important aerodynamic properties and enhance flow visualization to structural engineers in a virtual environment.