The BLWTL specializes in assessing the impact of the wind environment on human safety. Our pedestrian-level wind studies will precisely simulate site conditions to deliver a definitive analysis of pedestrian safety and comfort.
We develop precise proximity models to accurately simulate the local wind effects. By including neighboring buildings and topography, we capture the crucial funneling and sheltering effects that drastically alter wind flow around the project site.
We analyze the historical wind climate for the site, including local topography, across all wind azimuths. Assessments are performed for each season, ensuring a precise, year-round assessment of pedestrian comfort.
We combine timely, clear communication with rapid prototyping to streamline the testing and analysis process. Our process ensures accelerated, cost-effective delivery of your project solution.
Our analyses are customized to comply with all local regulations for the project, assessing pedestrian safety and comfort adhering to all relevant municipal, regional, and code specifications.
Wind tunnel testing for pedestrian-level winds (PLW) is a crucial service in modern urban development, primarily used to ensure the comfort and safety of people around new and existing structures. The BLWTL has performed hundreds of pedestrian-level wind studies for sites around the globe, assessing the complex wind environment including local surroundings, topography and climates.
We partner with architects, engineers, and planners early in the design stage to proactively determine the appropriateness of planned pedestrian activities and mitigating safety risks during strong wind conditions. By identifying and correcting potential problem areas with appropriate remedial measures, we ensure your development meets all comfort and safety criteria.
Wind Tunnel Testing
Wind tunnel testing offers the most precise assessment of pedestrian-level winds around a project site. In this approach, a scale model of the proposed building and its surrounding environment is constructed which includes neighbouring structures as well as significant topography and landscaping. Testing is typically performed at a 1:400 scale, modelling a 500 m radius around the site.
Wind tunnel testing of the proximity model is performed for all wind directions using appropriate wind profiles. During testing, specialized probes and sensors are used to measure wind speeds and turbulence at typical pedestrian height at key locations on the proposed building as well as throughout the neighbouring regions.
The raw measurements are converted, using statistical analysis of historical climate data for the site, into predictions of wind speeds for various probabilities of occurrence (e.g., wind speeds exceeded 1% of the time, or extreme wind events). These probabilistic wind speeds are compared in the existing and proposed conditions to evaluate the suitability of the site.
If necessary, additional wind tunnel testing including proposed mitigation measures can be performed to validate their effectiveness.
PLW Proximity Model
Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation offers a rapid and cost-effective assessment alternative of pedestrian-level winds. This approach employs a digital proximity model of the site which includes proposed building, neighbouring structures, and topography.
We perform numerical wind flow simulations of the model, paired with historical wind climate data, to assess probabilistic wind speeds and turbulence at pedestrian height throughout the site. These probabilistic wind speeds are compared in the existing and proposed conditions to evaluate the suitability of the site.
If necessary, additional simulations including proposed mitigation measures can be performed to validate their effectiveness.
Note that the acceptability of CFD-based studies varies by region.
Digital Proximity Model and Resulting Pedestrian Comfort Assessment
We assess project site climate, considering local topography and historical wind measurements. We provide appropriate wind conditions for evaluation of the bridge.
We use state-of-the art computational fluid dynamics simulations to predict wind flow and effects. These simulations are used to evaluate pedestrian-level wind flow, stack effects, topography, and more.
Connect with the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory to discuss your project’s unique design and challenges.