Simulation and analysis of intervention costs due to wind-induced damage on tall buildings

• A numerical method is proposed to estimate monetary cost due to wind loading.
• The algorithm is applied on a tall building damaged by strong wind.
• Resultant response is estimated by path integral on joint probability function.
• Fragility analysis method is used to include experimental errors in wind loading.
• Long-term cost due to wind damage is calculated using fragility curves.

A numerical algorithm is developed for estimating the life-cycle monetary losses (maintenance and repair costs) due to wind-induced damage on tall buildings. The wind loading on tall buildings is evaluated by combining the effect of buffeting forces and vortex shedding forces. The translation process theory is subsequently used to estimate the peak value of the resultant response, which is a non-Gaussian stochastic process. “Fragility curves”, accounting for random aerodynamic coefficients due to experimental errors, are used to estimate vulnerability and wind-induced damage probability. These curves represent the probability of exceeding a given structural damage state (or performance threshold), conditional on the mean wind speed. The thresholds are based on top-floor resultant acceleration, for occupant comfort, and resultant peak displacements, for structural damage. The results of the fragility analysis and wind speed probability are subsequently used to analyze monetary losses. The cost analysis model is adapted from an existing life-cycle simulation algorithm for earthquake hazards.The pilot study employs a 183 m tall building (CAARC model). Fragility and life-time cost analysis simulate the behavior of a building located in a “mixed” wind climate, typical of Southern Florida in the United States. Effects of various limit state criteria, meteorological environment and measurement accuracy of the structural parameters are discussed.