TESTING BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS IN SUB-SONIC WIND TUNNELS

Mirjana Puharić

Abstract
This wind tunnel study gives an overview of the modelling effects of the wind above urban and complex environments and strain caused by the wind. Numerous external parameters whose effect is difficult to predict are also included in the survey i.e. susceptibility of the building construction to the direction of the air flow, to objects already constructed as well as those planned for construction. Modelling of the natural wind and simulation of effects caused by it has also been done. Instrumentation and measuring methods have been listed, along with the data on the best known subsonic wind tunnels for testing the effect of the wind on the building constructions. The effect of strong winds on these objects can be devastating, which makes it necessary to predetermine, as accurately as possible, the strain on buildings and other constructions in order to increase the construction safely. Therefore, the aim of the wind tunnel testing is to accurately predict the effects of wind gusts on the building constructions, Examples of building constructions such as tall buildings, bridges, towers, stadiums, airports, etc. for which these aerodynamic test are performed are given.

Key words: architecture, building construction, urban environment, wind
effect, air flow, aerodynamic testing, subsonic flow, wind tunnel.