The human element of wind and structures interaction

Wind engineering plays an important role in the development and design of the majority of today's structures that push the limits of engineering knowledge. A vital part of the design of modern tall buildings is the prediction of wind-induced motion and the assessment of its effects on occupant comfort. It has become recognized that it is no longer reasonable to assume that the level of motion of a tall building in a windstorm will fall below the level of perception, yet the endpoint of the levels to which building accelerations must be reduced in order to prevent any adverse complaints from occupants has not been properly addressed. This paper will highlight the current internationally recognized understanding of occupant comfort criteria, the implications that these criteria have on the design of modern superstructures and ways and methods to move forward with more effective design strategies.