Author(s): Lucas Moretti, Giulia Romano and Marco De Santis

Abstract: Wind loading governs the structural design of tall buildings due to its influence on global stability, serviceability, and occupant comfort. Conventional design approaches typically adopt conservative wind load provisions derived from extreme meteorological conditions and code-specified safety margins. However, recent advancements in aerodynamic shaping, urban shielding effects, and climate-responsive design practices suggest that certain tall buildings may experience reduced effective wind demands during their service life. Understanding the structural behavior of tall building frames under reduced wind load scenarios is therefore critical for optimizing material use, improving performance-based design, and enhancing sustainability. This research investigates the response of tall building structural frames subjected to reduced wind load conditions, focusing on variations in lateral displacement, inter-story drift, internal force redistribution, and overall stiffness demand. Analytical models representing typical moment-resisting frame and dual structural systems are examined under progressively reduced wind load intensities. Comparative assessments are conducted to evaluate changes in structural demand parameters relative to conventional code-prescribed wind loading. The research highlights how reduced wind actions influence frame behavior, including potential shifts in governing design criteria from strength-controlled to serviceability-controlled responses. Results indicate that while reduced wind loads lead to lower global displacements and member forces, certain structural components may experience altered load paths and stiffness participation, necessitating careful evaluation during design optimization. The findings also emphasize the importance of accurately characterizing site-specific wind environments and incorporating performance-based wind engineering concepts. By elucidating the behavioral trends of tall building frames under reduced wind scenarios, this research contributes to informed decision-making in structural design, offering insights into safe load reduction strategies without compromising structural reliability or occupant comfort. The outcomes support the rational refinement of wind load assumptions in tall building design and encourage further integration of advanced wind assessment techniques into structural engineering practice.

DOI: 10.22271/27078280.2026.v7.i1a.56

Pages: 01-05 | Views: 13 | Downloads: 5

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