The College of Engineering at the University of Baghdad witnessed the defense of a Master’s thesis by the student Aisha Thamer Jabbar from the Department of Civil Engineering – Structural Engineering. Her thesis was entitled:
“Deterministic and Stochastic Analysis of Wind–Structure Interaction for Reinforced Concrete Chimneys”
The defense took place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Professor Dr. Khalid Shaker Hall, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Salah Rahima Al-Zaidi.
The study aimed to develop an integrated analytical framework to investigate the effects of wind on reinforced concrete chimneys. This was achieved by combining deterministic analysis based on design codes, probabilistic analysis using long-term wind data, and stochastic analysis to examine dynamic response. In addition, numerical modeling was conducted using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) coupled with structural analysis through Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
The research relied on long-term wind data for the city of Baghdad covering the period (1990–2024). These data were analyzed using various extreme value models to determine the design wind speed, which was estimated at approximately 38 m/s for a return period of 50 years. Wind loads were evaluated according to international codes, and the structural dynamic response was analyzed based on random vibration theory.
The results showed that the along-wind response is dominant in governing the structural behavior, while the cross-wind response was very weak with no occurrence of resonance. It was also found that wind loads increase with height, and that tapered chimney shapes improve structural performance. Furthermore, international codes were found to provide conservative estimates compared to more precise numerical analysis.
The study recommended adopting integrated analysis methodologies that take into account local wind characteristics, as well as developing specialized wind maps for Iraq to enhance the accuracy and reliability of designing tall structures.
At the conclusion of the defense, and after reviewing the student’s presentation and the committee’s remarks, the student was awarded a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering.
