Lunch lecture TNO

On the 12th of October, TNO will give a lunch lecture titled Wind-Induced Vibrations in Tall Buildings: Developing New Design Guidelines, presented by Okke Bronkhorst.

Tall buildings sway back and forth in the wind. These low-frequency vibrations can affect the comfort of people who live and work in these buildings. Recent international research shows that not only does comfort decrease as vibration levels increase, but concentration and productivity are also affected. In addition, the likelihood of health-related symptoms, such as the so-called Sopite syndrome, increases.

The design guidelines currently used in the Netherlands to determine and assess wind-induced vibrations are largely based on research from the 1960s and 1970s. New research raises fundamental questions about how accurately wind-induced vibrations can be predicted using these guidelines and how their effects on building occupants should be assessed. Measurements taken in several tall buildings, together with recent insights into the effects of vibrations on occupants, indicate that there is room for improvement in both the prediction and assessment of wind-induced vibrations.

The HiViBe project investigates wind-induced vibrations in tall buildings, with the aim of developing better methods for assessing these vibrations. By combining measurements and comparative calculations of Dutch high-rise buildings with research into the background of national and international assessment criteria, the project is working toward improved methods for predicting wind-induced vibrations and assessing their effects on building occupants.

During this lunch lecture, the current state of the research will be presented, along with an explanation of how the research contributes to a better assessment of wind-induced vibrations in tall buildings. Opportunities for internships and graduation projects within the HiViBe project will also be discussed.

Lunch will be provided, so make sure to sign up and join us for an interesting lecture!