The Atlantic Palace: Part I Structural System Selection Based on Wind Tunnel Testing

The location of the structure in a coastal area susceptible to high winds, the irregular shape and height of the building and the desire for more accurate wind loading and acceleration information contributed to the decision to perform a wind tunnel test in conjunction with the design. The design process consisted of several different computer models using the program COMBAT incorporating special modeling techniques for shear walls to achieve optimal results with the least computer effort. Different structural features were included in separate models to evaluate their effects. Rigid end zones were specified on the beams but not for the columns to approximately model the beam column joint and approximately account for panel zone deformations occurring within the joint.