Effect of wind in the design of reinforced concrete buildings

This paper presents the results from a parametric study carried in order to quantify how far errors in the design stage related to the consideration of the wind action may put at risk the response and safety of reinforced concrete buildings. Using an architectural model as reference and varying the number of floors of the building, the structural safety was evaluated as a function of the wind action intensity. Results showed that even for low-rise buildings, with 10 floors, ignoring the wind action can significantly jeopardize their behaviour and safety. Yet, for slenderer buildings, up to 30 floors, it can lead to catastrophic results, as the ruin of the structure by progressive collapse.