Wind engineering study of Johns-Manville world headquarters
Date
1974-10
Authors
Nayak, Shrinivas K., author
Garrison, James A., author
Cermak, J. E. (Jack E.), author
Fluid Mechanics Program, Fluid Dynamics and Diffusion Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Colorado State University, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Model tests of the Ken Caryl Ranch area were conducted in the Colorado State University environmental wind tunnel to determine: 1) general wind distribution, 2) snowdrift location, 3) distribution of gas concentration resulting from the automobile exhaust released in the ground level parking area, 4) local gust intensities, and 5) induced wind pressures on the Johns-Manville World Headquarters. The 1:400 scale model included the basic structure and all the significant local terrain features. Wind effects for eight significant wind directions at 45 degree intervals starting from north were examined in the study. General wind patterns were recorded by photographing the trajectories of smoke released at selected locations. Results of snow drifting simulation are documented by photographs. Local dispersion characteristics were obtained by measuring mean concentrations of tracer gas a long vertical lines and at significant points while releasing a tracer gas in the parking area at a known uniform rate. Local gust-intensity measurements were made by using a hot-wire anemometer. Aerodynamic pressures on the building model were measured as the difference in local and freestream static pressures. The present study has revealed that the heliport site is not associated with any serious problems of snowdrifts and surface winds. However, a significant snowdrift problem is seen to exist in the parking area at ground level, for cases of wind approaching from the S, SE, W and NW directions. The region on the northeast side of the building is found to be relatively free from problems due to snowdrifts and excessive concentrations of automobile exhausts. A high concentration of automobile exhausts was induced at the terrace level by secondary flow behind the building. This occurred for the cases of wind approaching from the N, NE and E directions. Severe gust intensities were observed to persist in the valley regions of the adjacent mountainous terrain for the cases of wind approaching from S, SW, W and NW directions. The maximum gust pressure on the building surface was found to be -48 lb./ft2 behind the parapets at the southeast extreme of the Elevation-6335 level with a SE wind. Gust pressures on the glass surfaces did not exceed ±30 lb./ft2 and were generally much smaller in magnitude.
Description
CER73-74SKN-JAG-JEC42.
October 1974.
For Johns-Manville Corporation, Greenwood Plaza.
Includes bibliographical references.
October 1974.
For Johns-Manville Corporation, Greenwood Plaza.
Includes bibliographical references.
Rights Access
Subject
Denver (Colo.) -- Buildings, structures, etc.
Wind tunnel models
Buildings -- Aerodynamics