Numerical Investigation of Wind Flow and Speedup Effect at a Towering Peak Extending out of a Steep Mountainside: Implications for Landscape Platforms

Abstract

Wind flow over complex terrain is strongly influenced by the topographical features of the region, resulting in unpredictable local wind characteristics. This paper employs numerical simulation to study the wind flow at a towering peak extending out of a steep mountainside and the wind-induced effect on onsite landscape platforms. First, the wind flow from seven different directions is explored via 3D numerical simulations, and the wind load distribution on the platforms is highlighted. Second, a 2D numerical simulation is conducted to evaluate the wind speedup effect at the side peak, examining the influence of the side peak height and the mountainside steepness on the wind speedup factor. The numerical simulations presented in this research were validated by replicating a published numerical and experimental study. The results illustrate the amplifying and blocking effects of the surrounding topography, yielding unpredictable and nonuniform wind pressure distribution on the platforms. The presence of the side peak leads to a significant increase in the speedup factor, and the side peak height and the mountainside steepness have a moderate influence on the value of the speedup factor. Additionally, the speedup factor obtained from this study varies significantly, especially near the surface, from the recommendations of several wind load standards. Consequently, the impact of the local terrain and the wind speedup effect must be thoroughly assessed to ensure the structural integrity of structures installed at a similar topography.