Effects of Wind on A 3 Dimensional Steel Structure

T. S. Gururaj, Technical Advisor, Bangalore, India. Ex. President, Potential Service Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore,. Nagaraja M. Thontalapura, Director – Technical, Innotech Engineering Consult Pvt. Ltd. Bangalore. Ex. Vice President (Civil/Structural), CPG Consultants India Pvt. Ltd. Bangalore.

With the advent of high speed computers, 3D structural modeling and analysis have evolved to new heights. Equally exceptional user-friendly finite element software tools have made the modeling exercise a lot easier than ever before. This paper will provide a case study on the evolution of the structural system for one of the modern architectural marvels of India. The authors, who were deeply involved in the various stages from concept to construction, will discuss in particular, the analysis and design of the central spine which resembles a “Giant Wasp” (as called by the concept architect). This paper will also discuss the structural system suitably provided for the huge cantilevers at the ends representing the tail, huge cantilevers at the sides representing wings, tall curved portals representing the legs and the pyramid shaped lattice girders representing the body of so called giant wasp. Also discussed in this paper, will be the behavior of the central spine structure due to wind.