Numerical Simulation of Along-Wind Loading on Small Structures Using a Simplified Wind Flow Model

Published

November 10, 2010

Author(s)

Dong Hun Yeo

Abstract

Aerodynamic measurements of wind-induced pressures on structures are required for the codifi-cation of design wind loads. However, the reliable measurement of pressures on low-rise build-ings in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) flow remains a challenge. A major cause is the difficulty of simulating low-frequency turbulent fluctuations in boundary-layer wind tunnels, es-pecially for relatively small buildings such as residential homes. To address this issue, a new la-boratory technique was recently proposed for the accurate and repeatable measurement of pres-sures on such buildings. The technique rests on the hypothesis that aerodynamic effects by low-frequency induced on small buildings by fluctuations with high spatial coherence are equivalent to those induced by an increment in the mean wind speed. Preliminary measurements appear to have validated this hypothesis. The purpose of this study is to present an approximate numerical method for estimating the requisite increment in the mean wind speed. The method is based on the quasi-static representation of the pressures induced on the windward face of a rectangular building by wind normal to that face. The study provides a point of departure for the quantitative definition of simplified flows in future experimental studies.

Citation

Technical Note (NIST TN) - 1683

Report Number

1683

NIST Pub Series

Technical Note (NIST TN)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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Keywords

Building technology, simplified flow model, spatial coherence, atmospheric boundary layer, wind tunnel test

Citation

, D. (2010), Numerical Simulation of Along-Wind Loading on Small Structures Using a Simplified Wind Flow Model, Technical Note (NIST TN), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=907196 (Accessed October 8, 2025)