PROJECT PROPOSAL
Parametric Study of a High-Rise Building under Wind Loads
Submitted by: EDSON EDWARD
Department of Civil Engineering
St. Joseph University in Tanzania
Supervisor: ________________________
1. Introduction
With rapid urbanization, the demand for high-rise buildings has increased significantly.
However, as building heights increase, wind loads become a major governing factor in
design. The dynamic response of tall buildings to wind is influenced by various parameters
such as building height, shape, aspect ratio, structural system, and orientation.
A parametric study provides a systematic way to understand how these parameters affect
the building’s overall performance. This study will analyze multiple high-rise building
models under wind loads using structural analysis software and relevant design codes.
2. Problem Statement
Designing tall buildings requires a careful balance between strength, stiffness, and
economy. The choice of building configuration and structural system greatly influences its
behaviour under wind loads. However, there is limited comparative data available for how
different shapes, heights, and structural systems perform when exposed to wind.
This project aims to fill that gap through a detailed parametric study, helping identify
optimal configurations for wind performance and serviceability.
3. Objectives
1. To analyze the wind-induced response of high-rise buildings with varying parameters
(height, shape, and structural system).
2. To study the effect of building geometry and height on displacement, storey drift, and
base shear.
3. To compare the performance of different lateral load-resisting systems (moment frame,
shear wall, braced frame, etc.).
4. To determine the most efficient design configuration to minimize wind-induced effects.
5. To provide design recommendations for improving tall building performance under wind.
4. Scope of Work
This project will focus on:
- Modeling and analyzing reinforced concrete and/or steel buildings between 20 to 50
storeys.
- Considering multiple plan shapes (square, rectangular, and circular).
- Evaluating three structural systems (moment frame, shear wall, and outrigger).
- Applying wind loads as per BS EN 1991-1-4 (or IS 875 Part 3 / ASCE 7 if preferred).
- Comparing key output parameters: top displacement, storey drift, base shear, and mode
shapes.
5. Methodology
Step 1: Literature Review
- Review of research papers, design codes, and wind tunnel studies on tall building
aerodynamics.
- Study of international design standards related to wind loading.
Step 2: Model Development
- Create 3D models of buildings using ETABS (or SAP2000/STAAD.Pro).
- Keep constant floor area, material properties, and loading; vary selected parameters
systematically.
Step 3: Application of Wind Loads
- Compute wind pressures using code-based methods.
- Define exposure category, terrain type, and gust factor.
- Apply wind loads in both X and Y directions.
Step 4: Structural Analysis
- Perform linear static and dynamic analysis.
- Record results for each model: maximum lateral displacement, storey drift ratios, base
shear, and mode shape.
Step 5: Comparison & Discussion
- Analyze how each parameter affects building performance.
- Plot graphs (e.g., height vs drift, shape vs displacement).
Step 6: Conclusion
- Summarize findings and provide design recommendations for tall buildings in windy
regions.
6. Tools and Software
Structural Modeling: ETABS / SAP2000 / STAAD.Pro
Wind Load Calculation: BS EN 1991-1-4 / IS 875 (Part 3) / ASCE 7
Data Analysis: Excel / MATLAB / Python
Visualization: AutoCAD / Revit (optional)
7. Expected Outcomes
- Quantitative comparison of building responses under different parameters.
- Identification of optimal geometry and structural system for wind resistance.
- Graphs and tables showing variation in top displacement, storey drift, and base shear.
- Practical recommendations for efficient tall building design under wind.
8. Deliverables
1. Literature review report.
2. 3D ETABS models and wind load setup documentation.
3. Analysis results (plots, tables, charts).
4. Final project report with discussion and conclusions.
5. Presentation slides for defense.
9. Timeline
1. Literature Review – 2 weeks
2. Model Creation – 2 weeks
3. Wind Load Application – 1 week
4. Structural Analysis – 2 weeks
5. Data Interpretation – 2 weeks
6. Report Writing & Presentation – 2 weeks
10. References
1. BS EN 1991-1-4:2005 – Actions on structures – Wind actions.
2. IS 875 (Part 3):2015 – Design loads (Other than earthquake) – Wind loads.
3. ASCE 7-16 – Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures.
4. Taranath, B. S. (2016). Structural Analysis and Design of Tall Buildings.
5. Mehta, P. K., & Monteiro, P. J. M. (2014). Concrete: Microstructure, Properties, and
Materials.
