WIVIL = Wind-Induced Vibration Intensity Level

WHAT : Wind Induced Vibration Intensity Level (WIVIL)?

Wind-induced vibrations in high-rise buildings and large-span structures are a significant concern in modern structural engineering. As urban skylines evolve with increasingly taller and more flexible structures, wind loads pose growing challenges to maintaining structural integrity and occupant comfort. These dynamic forces are influenced by various aerodynamic phenomena such as vortex shedding, buffeting, and galloping, which can lead to excessive motion and serviceability issues if not properly addressed.

The Wind-Induced Vibration Intensity Level (WIVIL, pronounced "WeFeeL") provides a comprehensive framework for the quantitative evaluation of structural responses to wind-induced vibrations. By translating vibration responses into measurable intensity categories, WIVIL offers valuable insights across various stages of a structure’s lifecycle. It can be effectively utilized in feasibility studies, early-stage planning, and detailed design processes to assess habitability, performance, and resilience. 

Moreover, WIVIL supports strengthening evaluations and performance assessments, enabling engineers to identify areas requiring reinforcement. Beyond the design phase, the scale contributes to the evaluation of building value, structural condition, and deterioration stages, making it an essential tool for structural health monitoring and long-term maintenance planning.

Additionally, WIVIL plays a vital role in disaster mitigation strategies and forensic evaluations following extreme wind events, offering a standardized metric for assessing damage, guiding recovery efforts, and informing future structural improvements.

Example : Occupant Comfort Under Wind-Induced Motion

Example : Potential Damage Risk Under Wind-Induced Motion