Overview of large-eddy simulation for wind loading on slender structures

Abstract

Understanding and predicting the effects of wind loading on a structure is necessary for safe, effective, and economical engineering design. Wind tunnel techniques often provide data that is not sufficient for the structural engineer. With increasing advances in computational capabilities, Computational Fluid Dynamics techniques have recently become feasible to complement experiments. Of these, one of the most effective is Large-Eddy Simulation (LES). The application of LES to analyse wind loading, and aeroelastic effects on structures are only a recent venture in the field. This paper reviews the progress made over the last few decades for the analysis of wind flow around slender structures, and the more recent analysis incorporating the effects of freestream turbulence. First, a review of the literature is carried out for generating freestream turbulence approaches, of which many are used for the analysis of surface pressures on an isolated object. Subsequently, a review is made on wind tunnel experiment and LES for aeroelastic analysis of bridge sections. The recent advances in the understanding of turbulence effects on the aerostatic responses are summarised. Finally, the future of LES and its relationship with wind tunnel experiment for wind loading analysis are discussed.