Author(s): Élodie Marchand, Julien Lefèvre and Camille Rousseau

Abstract: This study investigates the aerodynamic performance of super-tall buildings with various geometric shape modifications under wind-induced loading conditions. The primary objective was to assess how tapering, setbacks, corner chamfering, twisting, and the inclusion of porous openings influence dynamic responses such as lateral acceleration, base bending moment, and structural displacement. A baseline prismatic model of 600 m height was analyzed alongside six modified configurations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations supported by wind tunnel validation. The analysis was conducted under simulated urban atmospheric boundary layer conditions, with wind velocities scaled according to similarity laws. The results revealed that all aerodynamic modifications reduced cross-wind responses to varying degrees, with the combined configuration of taper, chamfer, and twist providing the highest performance improvement. Specifically, the combined model achieved approximately 53% reduction in peak acceleration, 40% reduction in RMS displacement, and 27% reduction in base bending moment compared to the prismatic baseline. Spectral analysis confirmed that these modifications disrupted vortex shedding coherence and lowered the dominant Strouhal number, indicating enhanced aerodynamic damping. Statistical evaluation using t-tests and correlation analysis validated the significance of the observed reductions, confirming that aerodynamic optimization yields quantifiable structural and comfort benefits. The findings emphasize that integrating multiple moderate geometric modifications is more effective than relying on a single aerodynamic alteration. Moreover, the study recommends early-stage aerodynamic evaluation within the architectural design process to optimize form, minimize wind loads, and ensure occupant comfort. Overall, the research highlights aerodynamic shaping as a sustainable, cost-efficient, and passive design approach for the next generation of super-tall buildings, enabling architects and engineers to achieve both structural safety and aesthetic innovation.

Pages: 53-57 | Views: 3 | Downloads: 2

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