Prediction of wind-induced fatigue on claddings of low buildings

This paper presents an analytical approach for the prediction of wind-induced fatigue on claddings of low buildings. The method uses digitally simulated wind pressure data, long-term wind climate of the region and experimental fatigue characteristics data of claddings. The wind pressure data is analyzed using rainflow technique to establish the fatigue characteristics of pressure data. For low buildings located in temperate regions, the accumulation of wind load cycles during the design life of cladding is estimated using a probabilistic approach by integrating the long-term wind climate of the region with the fatigue characteristics of pressures. Finally, the wind-induced fatigue damage is calculated utilizing Miner’s rule and Goodman’s method. Analytical predictions for the case of roof claddings are validated by experimental measurements in a boundary layer wind tunnel. This approach seems promising for a parametric investigation of wind-induced fatigue.