Investigating the influence of 3D building models on pedestrian wind comfort through wind computational fluid dynamics analysis

Abstract

Wind flow plays a crucial role in determining pedestrian comfortability in the surrounding environment. However, the shape and detailing of buildings, as well as the angle of the wind, can manipulate the wind flow patterns and velocity. Different urbanized areas have different building shapes and detailing, which can lead to diverse wind flow patterns and velocities, affecting pedestrian wind comfort (PWC). This study utilized wind Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique to investigate the influence of building models on wind velocity and its impact on PWC. The CFD simulation integrated with a 3D urbanized building model provided wind velocity values throughout the study area, which were used to analyze wind comfort at 1.75m elevation based on Beaufort wind force criteria. The study found that diverse effects due to different building detailing were observed, leading to multiple flow patterns and changes in wind velocity. The downstream building recorded a lower velocity value than the upstream building mainly because of wind flow separation from the building frontal. Wind comfort levels were represented using the Beaufort wind force scale (BWS), and all values fell in level 2 and 3, indicating good wind comfort level because of the BWS ≤ 3. This study highlights the significance of building models in determining wind flow patterns and velocity, which ultimately impacts PWC. Despite the study area involving multiple buildings with different shapes and detailing, the wind comfort levels were found to be suitable for pedestrians.