Investigation of Wind Interference on Vertically Twisted Skyscrapers

The rise in the construction of tall buildings in crowded cities is influenced by factors like growing population density, limited land availability, and the desire for cost-effectiveness. However, ensuring the durability of these skyscrapers against powerful natural forces such as wind and seismic activities is crucial. In the past, evaluating the impact of wind on structures has typically involved wind tunnel experiments. While these experiments have proven effective, they have some drawbacks, such as being expensive, inflexible, and requiring significant space. On the other hand, computer-based simulations are becoming increasingly popular due to their flexibility and cost benefits. Investigating avant-garde architectural designs, especially those with helical geometries, has proven to be highly effective in reducing wind forces and enhancing the visual allure of urban landscapes. Designing skyscrapers in urban settings becomes even more complex when considering their proximity to other buildings. This proximity can cause changes in wind pressure distributions, known as the ‘interference effect’. Using Ansys CFD software, this study investigated the impact of direct wind on a helical high-rise by analyzing the external pressure coefficients at an incidence angle of 0 degrees. The models were scaled down to a 1:300 ratio and examined using the k-epsilon turbulence model. This allowed us to simulate a wind speed of 10 m/s with 12% turbulence intensity, with a very less obstructed environment. The study uncovered that the distance between structures notably impacts their wind pressure profiles. It was observed that nearby buildings can affect the wind distribution on the twisted tall building.