Wind load effect of single-column-supported two-plate billboard structures

Wind tunnel studies are conducted to investigate the wind load effect of a representative single-column-supported two-plate billboard structure. Firstly, synchronous pressure measurement on the billboard of a rigid model in wind tunnel is carried out. The alongwind, acrosswind and torsional loads at different wind directions are analyzed. Simplified pressure distributions causing alongwind and torsional loads at the most unfavorable wind directions are presented. Secondly, an aeroelastic model test is conducted and the response at the base of supporting column is obtained from force balance measurement. The measured responses are also compared with the analytical predictions to validate the effectiveness of analytical approach. This analysis sheds new insight on the aerodynamic admittance function and aerodynamic damping. A simplified approach for the analysis of torsional response is introduced in terms of effective eccentricity coefficient. This study provides comprehensive wind load testing data and analytical approach for prediction of wind-induced response of two-plate billboard structures.