Mitigation of wind-induced noise of balcony railings in a condominium building

It was observed that wind-induced vibrations had created destructive effects on corner balcony railings in an oceanfront condominium building. The vibrations of the railings caused disconnections of welds at the ends of the pickets, and noise was generated, which created discomfort to the residents of the building. This paper presents a method to mitigate the wind-induced vibrations and noise of the balcony railings. The noise generation mechanisms were investigated; buffeting and vortex-induced vibration were identified as the two main mechanisms. A finite element (FE) model of a railing was developed using commercial FE software ABAQUS. The FE model was validated by modal testing results and used as a basis for later modifications. Design modifications were made for the railing and simulated using ABAQUS; increasing the stiffness of the railing was proposed as a solution based on the FE simulation results and the constraints imposed. A modified railing was installed on one of the corner balconies according to the solution and tested. The experimental results and on-site monitoring on the modified railing indicate that the noise issue has been resolved. All of the affected railings were subsequently demolished and replaced with the modified railings, and there have been no noise complaints from the residents of the building.