Wind-Induced
Fatigue Analysis
Since Colombo is
a coastal city, the Lotus
Tower faces continuous
sea breeze. Apart from
that, the tower can be subjected to a very large number
of cycles of fluctuating wind loads. The wind
forces acting on wind sensitive structures depend
on factors such as wind speed and wind effects.
Therefore, the tower was tested using code
methods, computational fluid dynamics methods
and wind tunnel tests to maintain stability from
the wind. Modern fluid-structure interaction techniques
were used to predict accelerations and then
they were validated with wind tunnel test results.
These tests were conducted by the China Academy
of Building Research (CABR) in Beijing. 1:300
scale model test was carried out in the CABR wind
tunnel. This wind tunnel is an open-circuit wind
tunnel with a total length of 96.5 meters and has
been configured with two test sections.
The Mast
The design of the Lotus Tower includes a slender concrete and steel antenna mast which
is approximately 88 meters tall, extending from a level of approximately 262m to 350m above
ground level. This mast has been designed for a life time of 50 years.
The structure of the mast which is 96.8 meters in height has four sections as square, octagonal,
square and square cross-sections respectively. This has been designed to accommodate 20
television broadcasting companies, 50 FM broadcasters and telecom operators.
“ Unique landmark in Colombo sky ”
“ 356m ”
• The tallest completed tower in
South Asia
• 11th tallest completed tower in
Asia
• 19th tallest completed tower in
the world
GAUGE Magazine
University of Peradeniya
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