How can wind-induced fatigue affect the lifespan of a structure?

Wind-induced fatigue is the weakening and eventual failure of a material due to repeated exposure to cyclic loading caused by fluctuating wind pressure. When structures like high-rise towers or bridges are subjected to constant wind-induced vibrations, called vortex shedding, it can lead to stress cycles that result in fatigue. This phenomenon poses challenges for the design and construction of tall structures, as the repeated loading and unloading damages their material properties, reducing the lifespan of the structures.

A fadiga ocorre devido às repetidas flutua??es das cargas de vento sobre a estrutura ao longo do tempo. Essas flutua??es causam estresse cíclico na estrutura, o que pode levar à forma??o de trincas, fissuras e eventual falha estrutural. A fadiga induzida pelo vento é especialmente preocupante em regi?es onde as condi??es de vento s?o extremas e frequentes. A compreens?o dos efeitos da fadiga induzida pelo vento é crucial para garantir a seguran?a e a durabilidade das estruturas expostas a essas condi??es. Portanto, é essencial considerar esses fatores durante o projeto, constru??o e manuten??o dessas estruturas.

To ensure seamless CAD collaboration, consider a common platform with cloud-based solutions, establish clear roles and rules, and implement version control. Leveraging automation and integration enhances productivity, reducing the time spent on manual tasks. Cloud-based solutions support cross-site collaboration, secure file transfers, and enable efficient data management. The integration of PDM and PLM in the CAD process ensures end-to-end collaboration and product optimization (Fang et al., 2017; Xuan et al., 2022).

CAD collaboration can be streamlined through cloud-based platforms enhancing cross-site teamwork, secure file transfers, and efficient data management. By establishing clear roles and setting rules, seamless collaboration is viable, while version control and automation/integration further augment productivity. Wind-induced fatigue occurs due to constant wind-induced vibrations, weakening and eventually compromising structural integrity. Analyzing the wind-induced responses, implementing proper design considerations, and adhering to related guidelines are essential for designing resilient structures.

Regular inspections and maintenance can mitigate wind-induced fatigue. Inspect the structure for signs of damage, monitor the responses, and analyze data with proper time domain or time-frequency domain methods. Adhere to the equivalence stress range method to predict fatigue life and ensure that the monitoring system comprehensively considers the rotating effect of blades. Regularly assess stress concentrations and welding locations to minimize the risk of structural fatigue, ensuring the system's reliability and longevity (Repetto & Damele, 2019; Tao & Tong, 2020).

Evaluating fatigue strength or life of tubular towers involves considering wind load and dynamic loads, which are complex. Assessment methods considering rotating blades are required for accurate predictions. Most existing research on wind-induced fatigue addresses fatigue in foundations, with fewer studies on tubular towers. Finite element software can help simulate accurate responses and stress concentrations, but the rotating effect of blades is not always considered. Implementing rotational Fourier spectrum models is needed to improve the simulation of rotating wind turbine blades.