BuildWind explores the benefits of urban wind analysis and CFD simulation for building projects.

BuildWind is an engineering company specialising in the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation for building design and urban planning. Its simulations accurately calculate the wind loading on structures of any shape, predict the dispersion of pollutants, and can help to improve the comfort and safety of indoor and outdoor environments. Simulations can also ensure compliance with regulations and criteria for wind comfort and safety, such as the London standard and the Lawson criteria.

Urban wind comfort and safety assessment
Wind comfort and safety are important microclimate issues in urban planning and design. Buildings influence the microclimate in their vicinity and the effects can be favourable or unfavourable, depending on their shape and orientation. Tall buildings are more likely to give rise to high-wind speeds at pedestrian level, causing discomfort and sometimes even danger. For this reason, many city authorities request studies of pedestrian wind comfort and safety for proposed new developments.

The Netherlands’ NEN 8100 standard for wind comfort and safety in the built environment defines guidelines and criteria for both experimental studies (wind tunnel) and computer simulations with CFD. Wind studies are mandatory for all new buildings taller than 30 metres. For sheltered buildings with a height between 15 and 30 metres, and for exposed buildings up to a height of 30 metres, the opinion of a wind expert is required to assess whether or not a wind study must be performed.

The Wind Microclimate Guidelines for Developments in the City of London describe the required studies to assess a planned structure’s impact on the safety and comfort of pedestrians and cyclists. CFD simulation is among the recommended approaches for buildings 25 metres or higher, and is a requirement for buildings 50 metres or higher. On some projects, both wind tunnel testing and computer simulations are both required for a more comprehensive evaluation. The London standard implements a modified version of the Lawson LDDC criteria to ensure more amenable public spaces in the future and more comfort categories based on the experience and compliance in the City.

Contact Details
To speak to BuildWind about urban wind analysis and CFD simulation for your projects, please email or visit the website.