Wind Loading & Cladding Pressure Calculation (AS/NZ 1170.2)
Wind loading and cladding pressure on building elements refer to the effects of wind on the external surfaces of a building, such as walls, roofs, and windows. Wind loading and cladding pressure can cause significant stresses on building elements and may result in structural damage, leaks, and other problems.
Wind tunnel testing and CFD simulations are two methods that can be used to evaluate wind loading and cladding pressure on building elements based on AS/NZ 1170.2 standard.
Wind tunnel testing involves the physical replication of wind conditions around the building in a controlled environment, while CFD simulations use numerical methods to solve the fluid dynamics equations and simulate the wind flow around the building.
Both wind tunnel testing and CFD simulations can provide valuable information for evaluating wind loading and cladding pressure on building elements. However, wind tunnel testing is typically more accurate and reliable for specific wind conditions, while CFD simulations are more flexible and efficient for evaluating multiple design options. The choice between wind tunnel testing and CFD simulations depends on the specific requirements of the project and the available resources.
CFD simulations involve the creation of a digital model of the building and the surrounding environment, which is then subjected to various wind conditions using numerical methods. The model may include a variety of building elements, such as walls, roofs, and windows, and may incorporate different cladding materials and configurations.
During the CFD simulation, the fluid dynamics equations are solved to obtain the wind flow pattern around the building and the resulting pressure distribution on the external surfaces. The results of the CFD simulation can be used to evaluate the wind loading and cladding pressure on the building elements under different wind conditions. CFD simulations are particularly useful for evaluating complex geometries and for evaluating multiple design options quickly.