Evaluating gust-induced vibrations in high-rise buildings: Insights from in-situ measurements and prediction models

This paper examines gust-induced vibrations in a high-rise residential tower, focusing on the comparison between in-situ measurements and predictions based on current code provisions. Extensive data collected from the New Orleans Tower in Rotterdam — equipped with pressure sensors, accelerometers, and anemometers — was evaluated against predictions derived from the Eurocode and wind tunnel tests. The findings reveal significant discrepancies between measured and predicted accelerations, primarily attributable to inaccuracies in key input parameters rather than limitations of the prediction model itself. The simplified code recommendations fail to account for the effects of neighboring structures and wind directionality. A comprehensive study of aerodynamics force coefficient and structural dynamics were undertaken to assess the prediction models. This study underscores the importance of improving urban wind modeling and incorporating building-specific factors into structural design codes, advocating for the integration of detailed in-situ data and advanced computational techniques to enhance the accuracy of wind-induced vibration predictions in high-rise buildings.