Wind-induced interference effects between twin tapered skyscrapers

Twin high-rise buildings, that is, two closely located tall buildings with identical or similar geometrical features, are inevitably under wind-induced interference effects. Most previous studies employed rectangular or circular prisms as twin tall buildings to investigate the interference effects. Therefore, these findings need further verification and modification for twin high-rise buildings with more complex exterior geometries. This study uses wind tunnel pressure measurement tests to investigate the interference effects on typical twin super-tall buildings with a tapered shape and recessed corners. Structural overall overturning moments and surface wind pressures applied on the twin skyscrapers are analyzed and discussed in detail. The interference effects on the twin skyscrapers are further compared with those on paired square prisms with the same height and footprint breadth. The results show that the interference effects on the twin tapered super-tall buildings differ considerably from those on the square prisms, and the critical building configurations that need cautious treatment in the designs of twin skyscrapers are specified.