International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 08 | Aug 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Aerodynamic Shape Optimization for High-Rise Buildings Using ETABS Maneesha Yoga1, Dr. S. Vijaya2, Mary Bhagya Jyothi J3 1A postgraduate student, Dr. Ambedkar institute of technology, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
2 Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Dr. Ambedkar institute of technology, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. 3Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Dr. Ambedkar institute of technology, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------conditions by employing three parameters: risk coefficient Abstract - Increased urban development has resulted in the
(k₁), terrain-height factor (k₂), and topography factor (k₃). Proper utilization of these corrections is important to establish true wind pressures and safe but economic construction.
increase in demand for high rise building, which get hit by wind forces more often. This research analyses the performance of G+21 residential building with rectangular and square floor plans under wind conditions. It identifies the micro and macro changes to enhance how the structure performs in response to wind. With the help of ETABS software, various 3D models were generated that comprised both micro alterations such as corner cuts, recessions, roundness, and fins, and macro alteration such as setbacks. These models were investigated under wind loads as per IS 875 (Part-3) and investigated such key parameters as storey displacement, storey drift, and storey shear. The findings indicate that aerodynamic adjustments, particularly vertical fins, minimized top storey displacements substantially—by as much as 30% in the X direction for rectangular forms—while setbacks uniformly reduced all parameters. Square structures, due to their symmetrical form, inherently had smaller wind responses but still gained with some aerodynamic modifications. This research underlines how optimizing building form can enhance wind resistance, minimize structural movement, and provide greater comfort to occupants. These results provide architects and structural engineers with valuable design information on how to make tall buildings more robust and sustainable in the face of wind.
A proven strategy for increasing wind performance is aerodynamic shape optimization—altering a building's form so it deflects or disrupts airflow naturally. Macro changes involve large-scale modifications, such as tapering the silhouette, adding setbacks, or twisting the shape to disrupt wind flows. Micro changes—such as rounding edges or creating recessed corners—also decrease the intensity of vortices. These techniques have been used effectively in buildings such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which employs spiral setbacks to break up vortex creation, and the Imperial Towers in Mumbai, where tapering decreases overall wind pressure. In addition to decreasing wind forces, aerodynamic shaping provides several advantages. It enhances structural efficiency, reduces material and construction expenses, beautifies the architectural aspect, and achieves compliance with safety requirements. Performance can also be augmented with devices such as damping systems, porous façades, or strategically located openings that permit controlled airflow.
Key Words: Micro modifications, Macro modifications, ETABS, Wind performance, High-rise buildings, IS 875 (Part 3)
Engineers usually test wind performance by monitoring storey displacement (total floor movement at each floor), storey drift (relative floor movement), and storey shear. Maintaining these amounts within secure parameters guarantees stability, reduces non-structural damage, and ensures occupant comfort. The most effective high-rise structures integrate aerodynamic techniques with good structural engineering, resulting in buildings that are not just safe and economical but also aesthetically unique and resilient.
1.INTRODUCTION The consistent urbanization and dwindling supply of land to be built upon have compelled construction trends toward upward growth. Skyscrapers are fast becoming a solution to spatial constraints in cities, but with increased height comes increased susceptibility to environmental stresses—most notably, wind. Taller and more slender buildings are more likely to sway, vibrate, and be subject to dynamic pressures that can influence both their long-term performance and the comfort of occupants within them. This necessitates that wind effects should be addressed from the very earliest stages of design.
A. Storey Displacement Storey displacement is the sideways movement of a particular floor level when the building is hit by lateral forces such as wind or earthquakes. This movement is measured from the floor’s original position and helps engineers understand how much the building “sways.” If the displacement is too high, it can affect stability, make occupants
In India, the process of wind resistance design is according to IS 875 (Part 3): 2015 guidelines. The standard prescribes a fundamental wind speed for each of six zones in the country. These are further adjusted to suit site
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