One-Way Fluid–Structure Coupled Analysis of a Construction Scaffolding under Wind Loads

Abstract

In this study, numerical analyses of the displacements and axial forces of wall ties of a construction scaffolding under wind loads calculated based on fluid analysis and Safety Technical Guidelines of Scaffoldings were conducted. The OpenFOAM software, which is an open-source numerical solver based on the finite volume method, was used for the fluid analysis. The ASI–Gauss code, which is a finite element code using beam elements that can stably calculate nonlinear phenomena such as member fracture, was employed as the structural analysis code. The one-way fluid–structure coupled analysis revealed that the wind loads from one side of the building obtained using the fluid analysis are complex owing to flow separation and instantaneous flow. These loads may lead to very dangerous situations for the scaffolding, even if it is safe under the wind loads obtained using the Safety Technical Guidelines. Therefore, it is necessary to reinforce the middle and lower layers of the scaffolding, which are affected by the flow separation.