As high-rise apartment complexes in urban areas become denser, the pedestrian wind environment has emerged as a critical factor for residential safety and comfort. This study aims to establish an integrated evaluation system for the pedestrian wind en...
As high-rise apartment complexes in urban areas become denser, the pedestrian wind environment has emerged as a critical factor for residential safety and comfort. This study aims to establish an integrated evaluation system for the pedestrian wind environment in apartment complexes, specifically accounting for the distinct seasonal climate characteristics of Korea. The research focuses on a newly constructed apartment complex in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, utilizing three distinct evaluation methods: Field Measurement, Wind Tunnel Test, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation.
First, the validity of the evaluation methods was verified by cross-comparing the results of field measurements, wind tunnel tests, and CFD simulations under identical conditions. The analysis demonstrated that while field measurements reflect actual time-variant wind characteristics, they are limited in spatial coverage. In contrast, wind tunnel tests and CFD simulations showed a high correlation (average correlation coefficient of approximately 0.75) with field data regarding relative wind speed trends and spatial distribution patterns. The study confirms that an integrated approach—using wind tunnel tests as a reliable baseline and CFD simulations for detailed, continuous flow analysis—is the most effective methodology for evaluating complex urban wind environments.
Second, the study analyzed the wind environment characteristics based on seasonal variations. The results revealed significant differences in airflow patterns between summer and winter due to changes in prevailing wind directions (Southwesterly in summer vs. Northwesterly in winter). In winter, strong channeling effects and corner accelerations were frequently observed in narrow passages and building corners, leading to increased wind discomfort and safety risks. Conversely, summer conditions favored ventilation in central areas but also highlighted the need for managing thermal comfort through appropriate spatial planning.
Third, three international evaluation criteria (NEN 8100, Lawson LDDC, and Lawson 2001) were applied to assess the wind environment. The comparative analysis indicated that NEN 8100, based on exceedance probability, provided the most conservative evaluation, particularly sensitive to the increased frequency of strong winds in winter. On the other hand, the Lawson criteria (LDDC and 2001), based on threshold wind speeds for specific activities, offered more practical guidelines for physical planning and landscape design.
In conclusion, this study proposes an integrated evaluation system that combines the accuracy of wind tunnel tests with the spatial analytical capabilities of CFD. Furthermore, it suggests that wind environment evaluations must move beyond annual averages to incorporate seasonal characteristics.