Full-scale and model tests on wind-induced, static and dynamic stresses in cooling tower shells

Abstract The response of the shell of concrete cooling towers to turbulent wind is investigated by experimental methods. Calculations based on membrane theory are used to verify the reliability of the test results with respect to the membrane forces. The tests include measurements of wind load and shell response in model and full-scale conditions. For the model tests, dynamic similarity of the model was observed, and the atmospheric boundary layer was simulated. The Schmehausen cooling tower was equipped with special strain and pressure pick-ups for the full-scale observations. The results suggest that there is considerable bending in circumferential stresses, and that dynamic stresses are not always correctly calculated by assuming a static design wind load, affecting in particular the buckling safety of the shell.