Peak Velocity Pressure of Air Traffic Control Towers: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the structural resistance of air traffic control towers (ATCTs) in Europe over 100 feet (30.48 meters) in height by determining their peak velocity pressure. A comprehensive examination was conducted on the ATCTs of 64 airports across Europe, with a reference to the EN-1991-1-4 criteria. The findings revealed notable differences in wind speeds and peak velocity pressure values experienced by ATCTs located in diverse geographical regions of Europe. The Athens Airport ATCT recorded the highest peak velocity pressure at 2.52 kN/m², while the lowest value was recorded at Zagreb Airport ATCT at 0.89 kN/m². These differences play a crucial role in determining the structural resistance of ATCTs. ATCTs exposed to high peak velocity pressures should use stronger materials and incorporate aerodynamic designs. Considering the significant influence of geographical location on wind loads, these results provide important insights into the safety of existing and future ATCTs. It is recommended that these findings be extended by investigating ATCTs in different geographical regions and that structural design strategies against wind loads be more thoroughly investigated in future studies.

Keywords

• Air traffic control tower
• Peak velocity pressure
• Wind load

Hava Trafik Kontrol Kulelerinin Tepe Hız Kaynaklı Rüzgar Basınçları: Karşılaştırmalı Bir Analiz

Abstract

Çalışmanın amacı, Avrupa genelindeki 30.48 metre (100 feet) üzerindeki hava trafik kontrol kulelerinin tepe hız kaynaklı rüzgar basınçlarını belirleyerek yapısal dayanıklılıklarını karşılaştırmaktır. Bu amaçla, EN-1991-1-4 kriterlerini referans alınarak Avrupa’daki 64 havalimanının hava trafik kontrol kuleleri incelenmiştir. Çalışmada Avrupa genelindeki farklı coğrafi bölgelerdeki hava trafik kulelerinin maruz kaldığı rüzgar hızları ve tepe hız kaynaklı rüzgar basıncı değerlerinde önemli farklılıklar bulunmuştur. Atina Havalimanı hava trafik kontrol kulesi 2.52 kN/m² ile en yüksek tepe hız kaynaklı rüzgar basıncına ulaşırken en düşük değer 0.89 kN/m² ile Zagreb Havalimanı hava trafik kontrol kulesi için tespit edilmiştir. Bu farklar kulelerin yapısal dayanıklılığının belirlenmesinde önemli bir rol oynamaktadır. Yüksek tepe hız kaynaklı rüzgar basıncına maruz kalan kuleler için daha sağlam malzemeler kullanılmalı ve yapıların aerodinamik tasarımı dikkate alınmalıdır. Coğrafi konumların rüzgar yükleri üzerindeki belirgin etkisi göz önünde bulundurulduğunda, bu bulgular mevcut ve yapılacak olan hava trafik kontrol kulelerinin emniyeti için önemli ipuçları sunmuştur. Gelecekteki çalışmalarda farklı coğrafi bölgelerdeki hava trafik kontrol kulelerinin incelenmesi ve rüzgar yüklerine karşı yapısal tasarım stratejilerinin daha kapsamlı bir şekilde araştırılması yoluyla bu bulguların genişletilmesi önerilmektedir.

Keywords

• Hava trafik kontrol kulesi
• Rüzgar yükleri
• Tepe hız kaynaklı rüzgar basıncı

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