Topographic Studies

Small scale topographic studies are used to determine the expected full scale wind characteristics at sites influenced by surrounding topography. This allows extensive terrain of significant heights relative to the buildings or structures to be modelled in the wind tunnel. Measurements of wind speed and turbulence are recorded up to a significant height where the effects of the hilly terrain are no longer felt. These wind speeds are often referenced to an upstream reference condition without the hilly terrain. The wind characteristics are reproduced in the building tests at a larger scale which includes the modelling of all detailed geometry of the project building and the immediate surroundings. These larger scale tests produce measurements of sufficient resolution for detailed analysis of the wind tunnel test data.