Abstract In this study, we conducted wind tunnel experiments to acquire the aerodynamic characteristics of transversely inclined structures featuring varying transverse inclination angles, different wind attack angles, and distinct inflow patterns (clockwise and anti-clockwise inflow). High-fidelity large eddy simulation (LES) investigations are employed to visualize the flow field comprehensively. A thorough quantitative analysis is conducted on multiple aspects, including the mean pressure coefficient, local force coefficient, generalized force spectrum, and point spectrum of the structure. Through this analysis, the aerodynamic mechanisms governing transversely inclined structures are elucidated by examining the distribution of the time-averaged flow field and spanwise vortex. The results reveal that transverse inclination restricts the available fluid space, thereby affecting the formation of the horseshoe vortex at the fixed end. Depending on the various wind attack angles, contrasting inflow patterns induce entirely different flow behaviors. Specifically, positive attack angles lead to the maximum curvature of the shear layer occurring, whereas a negative attack angle positions the maximum curvature at the free end. The primary reason for the deviation in the predicted response of the transversely inclined structure is the suppression of vortex shedding due to the end effect under the negative angle of attack condition.

Highlights • The present research incorporates wind tunnel tests and LES to examine the aerodynamic and flow field properties of a transversely inclined structure across different inclination angles, wind attack angles, and inflow forms. The aerodynamic properties of the construction were determined by wind tunnel tests, which involved the analysis of variations in the mean pressure coefficient, local force coefficient, and force spectrum. In addition, we conducted a more comprehensive analysis of the underlying mechanisms based on the flow field, using the numerical simulation outcomes of the time-averaged field and time-averaged vorticities. • The findings of our investigation suggest that the transverse inclination of the building exerts influence on the fluid space located on the windward side. Consequently, the base end horseshoe vortex and vortex shedding on each side of the base end are affected. Moreover, the analysis of the overall force spectrum and specific force spectrum has revealed that different inflow configurations have the capability to induce various fluid morphologies. When the structure was exposed to a positive wind attack angle, the free end consistently exhibited vortex shedding. Nevertheless, as the angle of attack progresses into negative values, the intensity of vortex shedding experiences inhibition, resulting in a greater distribution of turbulent energy within the low-frequency spectrum. • Flow field visualizations revealed that the curvature of the shear layer on both sides of the base end was predominantly influenced by a positive wind attack angle. Conversely, it was observed that the shear layer displayed the most pronounced curvature near the mid-span of the structure when subjected to a negative wind attack angle. Furthermore, the presence of a negative attack angle accentuates the restraining effect of the downward flow on the shedding of Kármán vortices toward the free end. The findings of this study suggest that discrepancies in vortex shape and the aerodynamic characteristics of the structure constitute the primary factors contributing to alterations in the predicted structural displacement as per the quasi-static theory.