Introduction

In the design of modern structures, particularly tall buildings, long-span bridges, and specialized industrial facilities, understanding and accurately predicting the effects of wind is paramount for ensuring safety, serviceability, and economic viability. Wind Load Analysis and Structural Dynamics delves into the complex interaction between wind forces and structural response, moving beyond static approximations to embrace the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of atmospheric phenomena. This training course is meticulously designed to equip civil, structural, and aerospace engineers, architects, researchers, and advanced engineering students with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in understanding wind characteristics and their impact on structures, mastering various wind load calculation methods, exploring the principles of structural dynamics, applying advanced analytical and computational techniques for dynamic response, and leveraging specialized software for comprehensive wind engineering design. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to analyze, design, and mitigate wind-induced effects, ensuring the resilience and performance of structures in diverse wind environments.

Target Audience

• Civil Engineers (Structural Design Focus)
• Structural Engineers
• Aerospace Engineers
• Architects (involved in tall building design)
• Researchers in Structural Dynamics & Wind Engineering
• Advanced Engineering Students
• Building Code Officials & Regulators
• Consulting Engineers

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental characteristics of wind and its interaction with structures.
• Master various methods for calculating static and dynamic wind loads on buildings and bridges.
• Learn the principles of structural dynamics, including free and forced vibration.
• Develop proficiency in analyzing the dynamic response of structures to wind loads.
• Understand the phenomena of aeroelasticity, vortex shedding, and galloping.
• Explore the use of wind tunnel testing for complex or critical structures.
• Develop skills in using specialized software for wind load analysis and dynamic response.
• Understand the serviceability criteria related to wind-induced vibrations and occupant comfort.
• Learn about mitigation strategies for wind-induced effects (e.g., dampers, aerodynamic modifications).
• Formulate comprehensive wind engineering design solutions for various structural types.
• Explore the latest research and advancements in wind engineering and structural dynamics.

Course Content

Module 1. Fundamentals of Wind and Atmospheric Boundary Layer

• Wind Characteristics: Wind speed, direction, turbulence, gustiness
• Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL): Wind profile, roughness length, exposure categories
• Wind climate data: Extreme wind speeds, recurrence intervals
• Topographic effects on wind flow
• Basic principles of fluid dynamics relevant to wind engineering

Module 2. Wind Load Codes and Standards

• ASCE 7 (Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures): Overview of wind load provisions
• Eurocode 1 (Actions on Structures - Part 1-4: General Actions - Wind Actions)
• National building codes and local regulations for wind design
• Design wind speed determination and importance factors
• Pressure coefficients and force coefficients for various building shapes

Module 3. Static Wind Load Calculation for Buildings

• Main Wind Force Resisting System (MWFRS): Design for overall stability
• Components and Cladding (C&C): Design for local pressures
• Enclosed, partially enclosed, and open buildings
• Internal pressures and their effects
• Calculation of design wind pressures and forces on building surfaces

Module 4. Static Wind Load Calculation for Bridges and Other Structures

• Wind Loads on Bridges: Drag, lift, moment coefficients
• Wind loads on signs, towers, chimneys, and other non-building structures
• Shielding and Interference Effects: For multiple structures
• Aerodynamic shaping for reduced wind loads
• Application of wind load provisions from relevant bridge design codes

Module 5. Fundamentals of Structural Dynamics

• Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) Systems: Equation of motion, natural frequency, damping ratio
• Free vibration and forced vibration (harmonic, impulse)
• Multi-Degree of Freedom (MDOF) Systems: Coupled equations of motion
• Modal analysis: Natural frequencies and mode shapes
• Damping models: Viscous damping, Rayleigh damping

Module 6. Dynamic Response to Wind Loads: Gust Factor Approach

• Gust Factor Method: Accounting for dynamic amplification due to turbulence
• Background response and resonant response
• Peak Factor and Effective Wind Speed: For dynamic analysis
• Application of gust factors from design codes
• Limitations of the gust factor approach

Module 7. Dynamic Response to Wind Loads: Time Domain Analysis

• Numerical Integration Methods: Newmark-beta, Central Difference method
• Wind Speed Time Histories: Simulating turbulent wind
• Direct Integration of Equations of Motion
• Random Vibration Theory: Power Spectral Density (PSD) of wind loads
• Applications for complex structures and non-linear behavior

Module 8. Aeroelasticity: Vortex Shedding and Galloping

• Vortex Shedding: Phenomenon, Strouhal number, lock-in
• Vortex-Induced Vibrations (VIV): Mitigation strategies (e.g., helical strakes)
• Galloping: Aerodynamic instability of non-circular sections
• Flutter: Coupled aerodynamic and structural instability (critical for long-span bridges)
• Torsional divergence and other aeroelastic phenomena

Module 9. Wind Tunnel Testing

• Purpose of Wind Tunnel Testing: For complex geometries, critical structures, and aeroelastic effects
• Types of Tests: Force balance tests, pressure model tests, aeroelastic model tests
• Scaling laws and similitude requirements
• Data acquisition and analysis in wind tunnels
• Interpretation of wind tunnel results for design

Module 10. Serviceability and Occupant Comfort

• Wind-Induced Vibrations: Perception thresholds for human comfort
• Acceleration Limits: Criteria for occupant comfort in tall buildings
• Drift Limits: Control of lateral displacements for non-structural damage
• Vibration control strategies for serviceability
• Performance-based criteria for wind-induced motion

Module 11. Mitigation Strategies for Wind-Induced Effects

• Aerodynamic Modifications: Corner modifications, openings, tapering for tall buildings
• Damping Systems: Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs), viscous dampers, viscoelastic dampers
• Structural Stiffness Enhancement: Bracing, shear walls, outriggers
• Mass Distribution Optimization
• Energy dissipation devices for wind response

Module 12. Wind Engineering for Bridges

• Bridge Aerodynamics: Sectional models, full bridge models
• Flutter Analysis for Bridges: Critical wind speed determination
• Buffeting response of bridges
• Wind-rain induced vibrations of cables
• Design considerations for long-span bridges against wind

Module 13. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in Wind Engineering

• CFD Principles: Numerical simulation of fluid flow
• Modeling Wind Flow: Around buildings and structures
• Advantages and limitations of CFD compared to wind tunnel testing
• Grid generation and turbulence modeling in CFD
• Applications in urban wind environment and pedestrian comfort

Module 14. Wind Design of Non-Building Structures

• Towers and Masts: Design for wind loads and dynamic response
• Chimneys and Stacks: Vortex shedding and fatigue considerations
• Signs and Billboards: Wind pressure coefficients
• Rooftop equipment and appurtenances
• Design of solar panels and wind turbines for wind loads

Module 15. Future Trends and Research in Wind Engineering

• Smart Structures: Sensors for real-time wind response monitoring
• AI and Machine Learning: For wind speed prediction, aerodynamic optimization
• Digital Twins for wind performance simulation
• Urban wind environment modeling for smart cities
• Climate change impacts on extreme wind events and design considerations.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.