Why Do Wind Tunnel Testing?

Technical, Economic, Safety & Aesthetic Advantages

Today’s architects and engineers challenge the traditional boundaries of their

craft, using high-tech materials and innovative structural design techniques
to create buildings and structures as true art expressions.

In addition, new structures are being designed for complex situations and
A wide range of wind engineering surroundings (i.e., near terrain or other structures). Yet, wind loads provided
work is completed in RWDI Anemos’ in most codes and standards haven’t kept up. They are based on a range of
new state-of-the-art wind tunnel building shapes that were common over 40 years ago and many codes rec-
ognize that wind tunnel tests will lead to more reliable loading estimates
that result in savings, peace of mind and maximum creative freedom.
Wind Tunnel testing delivers:
• Accurate results to minimize Progressive designers and engineers understand that significant savings in
assumptions cost of structure and cladding can be obtained by completing a wind tunnel
test in the early stage of the design.
• Opportunity for architectural
expression
• Construction savings for the owner
• Improve earning potential with
maximum floor space
When should a Wind Tunnel
• Assurance – often recommended
by code
Test be done?
• Increased litigation protection
Early Design Stage

In the early planning stages, careful attention to the effects of wind, snow,
ventilation, vibration and related microclimate environmental issues on
buildings and structural are proven to save time, save money and reduce risk.

Tall Buildings / Unique Designs

Clients receive practical design knowl-
edge, experience and service, not just
testing data
Wind tunnel testing is advisable on buildings higher than 22 stories (10 sto-
ries in hurricane areas) or where the building or structure is an unusual
shape or construction methodology. Unusual terrain or surrounding struc-
tures in the area also make wind tunnel testing an important step to opti-
mize cost efficiencies, generate accurate results to enhance the safety of a
project, minimize assumptions and allow for maximum design freedom.

TYPICAL PROJECTS FOR RWDI ANEMOS WIND TUNNEL TESTING

• Skyscrapers and tall buildings • Groups of buildings • Long span roofs • Tunnels
• Industrial and institutional facilities • Long span pedestrian or automotive bridges
• Sporting stadiums • Casinos • Other tall or wind-sensitive structures
Rely on The Economic Advantages of
RWDI Anemos RWDI Anemos Wind Tunnel Testing
for... The economic advantages of Wind tunnel testing are best understood by reviewing the results
• Consultations & of a few case studies. Results will vary from project to project – in the firm’s vast experience,
Design Reviews typically the returns on investment on wind tunnel testing can be significant relative to the
total project costs.
• Design Wind Load
Calculations

• Wind Pressure Studies CASE STUDY 1 – Harbor Walk Development – Destin, Florida
• High Frequency Estimated Construction Savings using Wind Tunnel Testing
Pressure Integrations
Component Pre-Test Post-Test
Studies
Piles $352,100 $315,330
• High Frequency Force- Pile Cap Concrete & Rebar $445,640 $335,280
Balance Studies Shear Wall Rebar $392,000 $341,600
Exterior Wall Studs $1,220,000 $775,000
• Structural Development Total $2,409,740 $1,767,210
Assistance
Estimated Total Savings $645,530 or 27%
• Wind-Induced
Vibration Studies

• Expert Testimony
CASE STUDY 2 – Seawind Condominium – Gulf Shores, Alabama
Estimated Construction Savings using Wind Tunnel Testing

Component Pre-Test Post-Test

RWDI Anemos is a Piles $432,075 $313,410
well-run company Pile Cap Concrete & Rebar $334,880 $285,000
focused on continu- Shear Wall Rebar $239,400 $193,200
Exterior Wall Studs $411,128 $245,888
ous improvement,
modern systems Total $1,408,483 $1,037,498

and procedures, Estimated Total Savings $370,985 or 26%

accountability,
and client care
that exceeds
expectations. Who do I talk to if I need to get a test done?
Please contact one of RWDI Anemos’ consultants to discuss your particular needs.

RWDI Anemos Limited Canadian Contact United Arab Emirates Contacts

Unit 4, Lawrence Industrial Estate Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin Inc. From United Kingdom
Lawrence Way 650 Woodlawn Road West Abu Dhabi 00-971-2-672-4422
Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1BD Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1K 1B8 Dubai 00-971-4-332-2620
United Kingdom Tel: 00-1-519-823-1311
Fax: 00-1-519-823-1316 Saudi Arabia Contact
Tel: 01582 470250 E-mail: info@rwdi.com From United Kingdom
Fax: 01582 470259 Riyadh 00-966-1-464-9038
Web site: www.rwdi.com
www.rwdi-anemos.com United States Contact
Other RWDI Offices RWDI LLC-California 00-1-213-489-4100
Calgary 00-1-403-232-6771 Web site: www.rwdi-llc.com
Quebec 00-1-450-534-1007
Thunder Bay 00-1-807-622-2426
Vancouver 00-1-604-730-5688
Windsor 00-1-519-728-2702

A member of the RWDI Group of Companies