Optimal Design of Tall Buildings subjected to Wind Action in the framework of Performance Based Design

A probabilistic procedure for the Performance-Based Design of structures subject to wind action is illustrated. The central objective of the procedure is the assessment of the adequacy of the structure through the probabilistic description of a set of decision variables DVs. Each DV is a quantitative measure of a specific structural performance (no collapse, occupant safety, accessibility, full functionality, limited displacements or accelerations, etc.). The structural risk is conventionally measured by the probability of exceeding a relevant value of the corresponding DV; the probability is evaluated by taking into account the Aeolian hazard at the site, the calculated structural response and damage, and the correlation between the attained damage level and the relevant DV. The procedure is applied to an example case: the assessment of the comfort requirement for a high-rise building.