Wind Engineering: Bridging Experimental, Field, and Numerical Techniques

This interdisciplinary course offers an in-depth exploration of wind engineering, providing both fundamental knowledge and advanced experimental, field measurements and numerical applications for developing climate-resilient and sustainable civil infrastructure. Designed and delivered by leading experts in the field, the course merges theoretical principles with practical insights, enabling students to tackle the challenges faced by researchers and engineers when designing structures exposed to wind forces. The course is designed to equip students with the essential tools, techniques, and knowledge required for the analysis, design, and optimization of civil infrastructure, considering both synoptic and non-synoptic wind conditions. The first segment of the course focuses on the principles of experimental aerodynamics (boundary layer wind tunnel, Wall of Wind, and WindEEE tests), field measurement techniques, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Students will gain practical knowledge in the design of experimental setups, the application of measurement techniques, and the interpretation of data. The course further covers the theoretical background of CFD simulations, with a special focus on turbulent flow modeling. Topics include the numerical discretization of the Navier-Stokes equations, advanced turbulence modeling, data analysis techniques, and the simulation validation process. In the second part of the course, the application of experiments, field measurements, and CFD simulations is explored synergistically to address real-world challenges in wind engineering. Students will examine how these methods can be used to assess the impact of extreme wind events such as hurricanes and thunderstorms on infrastructure. The course highlights the importance of accurate simulations and their application in designing climate-resilient buildings and communities. Students will also engage with complex case studies that investigate the effects of wind on various urban settings, from the comfort of urban environments to the creation of thermal microclimates. The course covers innovative design strategies aimed at mitigating the damage caused by hurricanes, with an emphasis on improving the resilience of buildings and infrastructure to extreme wind loads. In addition to structural design, students will also explore cutting-edge technologies in wind mitigation, such as adaptive building facades, wind barriers, aerodynamic optimization and other solutions that enhance the durability and safety of buildings. The course also exploits advanced monitoring systems for suspension bridge aerodynamics. Students will learn about novel measurement techniques such as detachable pressure strips and Lidar campaigns used to monitor the behavior of suspension bridges under wind loads. The course provides a detailed analysis of dynamic wind effects, including buffeting loads and vortex shedding, which can severely affect the performance and stability of bridges during high-wind events. This course is intended for doctoral students, researchers, and professionals in the fields of civil engineering, architecture, and environmental design, as well as anyone interested in advancing their understanding of wind engineering and its role in creating safer, more sustainable built environments.