INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEM FOR WIND•LOAD STUDIES ON TALL CHIMNEYS

Abstract

Civil engineers are interested in determining wind load effects on tall structures like chimneys, tall buildings and T.V...towers. For studying wind effects instrumentation systems are necessary. Wind loading can be studied by using small models in wind tunnel where atmospheric boundary layer is simulated. Transducers are placed on small models at various locations for measuring parameters like pressure distribution around model wind velocity, wind direction forces and moments . developed across the model, strain and acceleration. By wind model laws results can be extrapolated for full scale structures. These results can give wind effects on existing structure or can predict wind effects on future structures. Measurements on tall models are also carried , out. For that generally transducers are fixed on the structure appropriately. Data collected from various transducers are recorded at a recording station. By analysis of the data obtained wind loading effect can be evaluated. Techniques and devices for these measurements, both on laboratory model and full scale models have been critically reviewed here. A data acquisition system for laboratory testing of chimney models have been developed. Some electronic circuits have been developed for this purpose. Software is written for interfacing transducers. Data acquisition system in laboratory is developed. Measurements have been made on model in laboratory to validate the hardware and software. All quantities are measured satisfactorily and various facilities of the Data Acquisition System also work very well