In aerodynamics, high-rise buildings are slender structures, i.e., those for which the ratio of the square of the height to the area of a typical section is much greater than one, and the height of this structure is a significant fraction of the thickness of the atmospheric boundary layer.

In general, the wind actions on the structure and on the cladding can be estimated by using the applicable building codes. However, for high-rise buildings, this approach has some limitations. On the one hand, the values resulting from the application of the proposed calculation methods are generally too conservative, and on the other hand, these methods are usually valid for heights of up to approximately 150 m.

For these reasons, it is advisable for high-rise building projects to carry out wind tunnel tests on scaled test models in order to limit the uncertainty in determining the wind actions on them.

Wind tunnel test of the Intempo Tower, Benidorm, Alicante, Spain (2011). Height 192 m, 42 floors.

At IDR/UPM we have collaborated on several projects to provide architects and engineers with engineering solutions for the design of high-rise buildings around the world. We provide solutions for the determination of general structural loads, loads on cladding and facade components, and for the assessment of user comfort.