Project Description

Helipad Operations Impact

Evaluation of Impacts from Helipad Operations on Glass Facades of a Large Office Building

Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations yielded the aerodynamic impacts from helipad operations on the surface of the glass facade. Simulations were performed using a helicopter at various locations related to the take-off and landing positions. The most critical conditions were implemented, which included wind and helicopter pitch or roll angles that direct additional airflow at the glass facade. Simulations were set up to provide results for scenarios that were likely to produce the greatest stresses on the glass facade. Results of the simulations provided the surface pressures on the glass facade of the large office building caused by aerodynamic effects of helicopter operations.