Performance-based wind engineering assessment of a telecommunication mast utilizing Bayesian extreme wind velocity model

• Published in: Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 2024-02, Vol.38 (2), p.727-749
• Main Authors: Kenéz, Á., Joó, A. L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accuracy; Aquatic Pollution; Bayesian analysis; Bearing capacity; Chemistry and Earth Sciences; Computational Intelligence; Computer Science; Design standards; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Environment; Finite element method; Hypercubes; Load bearing elements; Masts; Math. Appl. in Environmental Science; Mathematical models; Monte Carlo simulation; Numerical models; Original Paper; Physics; Probability theory; Probability Theory and Stochastic Processes; Statistical inference; Statistics for Engineering; Stochastic models; Stochasticity; Velocity; Waste Water Technology; Water Management; Water Pollution Control; Wind effects; Wind engineering; Wind loads; Wind measurement; Wind speed; Wind tunnel testing; Wind tunnels
• ISSN: 1436-3240; 1436-3259
• DOI: 10.1007/s00477-023-02596-w

A promising design concept, the performance-based wind engineering methodology is adopted, implementing a finite element model (FEM) to analyse the structural behaviour of a telecommunication steel lattice mast. The integration of site-specific wind loading models into the standardized FEM-based design can be a powerful tool for design engineers. The tower being investigated, located in Central Hungary, is equipped with sensors to measure wind velocity and strains in chord members. The stochastic modelling of the extreme wind velocity, i.e., the basic wind velocity is assessed using the peak-over-threshold approach with an automated threshold selection method. To enhance the accuracy of the analysis, Bayesian inference is employed, combining the information from a relatively short duration of measurements collected at the tower site with a more extensive dataset from measurement locations across the country. Numerical model of the telecommunication mast subjected to wind loading is developed in a general-purpose finite element software. The probabilistic design system module is applied for performing probabilistic calculations of both serviceability criterion and load-bearing capacity of the structure using Monte Carlo simulation with Latin hypercube method. Numerical results are compared and validated with measurement data. The accuracy of wind load assessment is examined in this study, considering both the standardized design method according to EN 1993-3-1 and wind tunnel testing. The main objective is to demonstrate the potential of integrating the Performance-based Wind Design framework with a monitoring system and a finite element model, highlighting their combined benefits.