52. Mitigation of Wind-Induced Vibration of the Pool-Deck Fence of a Condominium

On days with high wind speeds, it was observed that the pool-deck fence of an oceanfront condominium experiences large amplitude vibration, which can cause welds holding pickets to fail, resulting in impact noise. This work investigates the cause of the wind-induced vibration of the fence and presents a method to mitigate it. The fence was modelled using commercial finite element (FE) software, which was validated by modal testing. The FE model was used as the base for simulating various design modifications to the fence. After review of results from wind pressure measurements, modal testing, and FE model simulation, the primary mechanisms generating the vibration were identified to be vortex-induced vibration and buffeting. Due to design constraints, there are limited modification options. Increasing the geometric stiffness of the fence was selected as the mitigation technique and a modified design was proposed for the fence. The modified fence was installed and tested, and results indicated that vibration occurred less frequently. On-site monitoring of the fence by the owner indicated reduced vibration.