Philippine E-Journals

Wind pressure calculation for tall building frame has always been an extensive job. Usual methods used to estimate wind load are Wind tunnel test method and Finite Element Method and specifications has been derived. In this research, with a view to eliminating drawbacks of these methods and providing a visual interpretation of wind flow a third method is introduced using Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) Approach. A model simulation was performed by a SPH software named SPHysics to calculate the pressure exerted on the structure and to derive a graphical interpretation of flow pattern using ParaView. Values of pressure at different elevation of the building that actually occurs when wind with certain velocity flows through a tall building are found. From the data found, height vs. pressure graphs are generated which clearly supports the proportional relationship between these two parameters even with triangular and parabolic variation. Again, velocity vs. pressure graphs are plotted which also justifies inter-relationship of proportionality. This is a qualitative comparison not a quantitative one as there is man limitations regarding technicality, computer capacity, and time. These values may be crosschecked with the values found from conventional methods when more precise and suitable boundary conditions can be used in simulation. In future, with intricate detailing and suitable three- dimensional modeling, more accurate value of pressure can be found with wide range of applicability. The authors are expecting derivation of two equations as a function of height and velocity to calculate wind load to use in design if further proceeding is possible. This can offer a significant benefit of simplicity for users and can be beginning a new era of using SPH in structural engineering.