Wind Loads on Structures
Analyses based on CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), bulk zone modelling, analytical and empirical laws, and methodologies based on the best engineering practices and guidelines.
Solutions are based on methodologies stated in
- ASHRAE
- EuroCodes
- CIBSE
- BRE
- Other engineering guides and codes
Software used:
- Helyx (OpenFoam)
- Fire Dynamic Simulator
- Radiance
- ContamW
- Rhino 3D
- MS Excel VBA, etc
Wind Microclimate Modelling
Wind microclimate assessments reflect the wind conditions, which would appear due to introducing a new development into an existing area.
It is forecasted the amount of time in which a certain area will experience wind speeds beyond the critical values for pedestrian safety and stability. Also, certain exceeded threshold values would be predicted, associated with a set of typical pedestrian activities such as walking, waiting at bus stops, sitting within a café or restaurant zones.
Why?
This assessment shows whether wind conditions are suitable or unsuitable and whether design adjustments or mitigation measures are required in the various parts of the proposed new development and the neighbouring properties.
Methodologies & Criteria:
- LDDC Lawson Criteria
- City of London
- Well Certification Criteria
These criteria use a single percentage probability of exceedance of a range of wind speeds and different types of usage, which offers a practical approach for assessing wind comfort and safety under different site configurations/schemes.
Main purposes: of the wind microclimate assessments are for pre planning massing optimisation and/or planning application of new developments. Another application would be for designing and assessing mitigation measures for proposed or existing developments with the occurrence of adverse wind conditions in the post construction stage or during the exploitation.
Mitigation measures to reduce any excessive wind acceleration could be in the form of:
- Massing optimisation, mature trees and hedges, porous screens and façade fins, canopies and others engineering solutions
Proposed Site vs Existing Site Conditions
Wind Actions on Structures & Facade Wind Pressures
Wind exerts three types of forces/loads on a structure:
- Uplift load – Wind flow pressures that create a strong lifting effect, much like the effect on airplane wings. Wind flow under a roof pushes upward; wind flow over a roof pulls upward.
- Shear load – Horizontal wind pressure that could cause racking of walls, making a building tilt.
- Lateral load – Horizontal pushing and pulling pressure on walls that could make a structure slide off the foundation or overturn
For: Simple and complex structures such as
- Residential buildings
- Commercial buildings
- Airports
- Stations
- Stadiums
- Amphitheatres, etc.
We advise both new developments and existing developments in the post construction stage or during exploitation.
Method
The wind loads on buildings and façade wind loads studies and analyses are based on computational fluid dynamics ( bulk zone modelling, numerical analytical and empirical laws, and methodologies based on the best engineering practice Regardless of the approach, our work is informed by our specialists’ years of expertise on various projects
Services
- For the new developments we advise on the feasibility and the structural consequences resulting from the wind actions and provide innovative solutions
- For the existing developments, we advise on the corrective measures for existing wind related problems that occurred during exploitation or after completing the project
Engineering guides and codes
- EuroCodes
- CIBSE Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers)
- BRE Building Research Establishment)
- ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers)
As well, we can adapt and apply local guides and codes Good engineering practice is primordial for our company policy
Pedestrian Wind Comfort & Safety
For:
- Pedestrian walk through
- Sidewalks
- Plazas
- City parks
- Terraces, etc.
Method: The LDCC Lawson Criteria, City of London, or Well Certification Criteria are typically used within the company’s practice. These criteria use a single percentage probability of exceedance of a range of wind speeds and different types of usage, which offers a practical approach for assessing the wind comfort and different types of configurations and schemes. However, with our in house coding capabilities, WINDTHINK can implement any other wind comfort assessment criteria to meet client requirements.
Services:
- We model the wind environment at the pedestrian level and occupied terraces and evaluate it in industry accepted thermal comfort indexes. Areas with a low level of comfort are identified, and mitigation measures are proposed.
- Urban canyons assessments, which contribute to the urban heat island effect.
- Safety assessments at pedestrian walk through, sidewalks, plazas, city parks, terraces, etc., are provided. These assessments show if the wind conditions are suitable or unsuitable and whatever design adjustments or mitigation measures are required.
First and foremost, we help in creating safe environments for the occupants and pedestrians. Also, it creates opportunities:
- Save money by spending capital on structures where it is most effective
- Effectively use structural changes, shape changes and damping systems for optimization by identifying wind issues early
Our solutions are dedicated to assisting engineers, designers, planners and architects in enhancing and optimizing building performance.
As consultants, we closely collaborate with our customers to answers all their questions related to the impact of wind actions on structures. In the end, we provide a detailed and easy to understand presentation of our assessments and identified wind related issues, including creative solutions