Wind induced vibrations of chimneys using an improved quasi-steady theory for galloping

Abstract Aeroelastic phenomena play a very significant part in the design of large civil engineering structures. This paper deals with the interference galloping occurring on in-line low rise 3D-shaped chimneys. The quasi-steady and 2D assumptions are not well adapted to this problem. A weak quasi-steady model is introduced to improve the reliability of predictions. The originality of this work lies principally in its physical interpretations and in the calculation of the time lag between aeroelastic forces and structural deflection. The 3D nature of the problem is taken into account by using local pressure coefficients from wind tunnel tests. Some typical results are presented for cases where a critical wind velocity appears.