Computational fluid dynamics simulation of tree effects on pedestrian wind comfort around coastline building resort

Abstract

AbstractThis paper discusses the quantitative effect of vegetative windbreak on wind velocity at a resort building in Malaysia. The implementation of vegetative windbreaks was proposed to reduce wind velocity and improve pedestrian wind comfort, especially in the coastline areas in Cenang, Langkawi. By comprehensive analysis of the data from field measurement and computer simulation from computational fluid dynamics (CFD), this paper studies tree effects on pedestrian wind comfort with different row numbers and arrangements. The simulation is validated by wind tunnel experiment, and the RNGk-εturbulence closure scheme used in the simulation provides good predictions of the airflow field for both single and double rows trees. The study shows the morphologies of the CE tree have a great influence on the flow field with a conical shape with large bottoms and small tops providing a better wind reduction efficiency due to the larger upward cross-flow component which exhibited better windbreak efficiency. A single row tree is the most efficient in reducing wind velocity and providing good comfort for traversing, strolling, and moderate for sitting compared with double rows which are poor comfort in sitting.