Webinar: Wind engineering for structural design

Opening by our host and chairman

ir. Niels Moonen – Wind engineering consultant at Peutz. Trained as an aerospace engineer, he is an expert in wind loads, gas dispersion, helicopter operations and aerodynamic optimisation for both the built environment and maritime industry. 

Wind Load analysis using wind tunnel testing – The Why and How

In this presentation the basic principles of wind loading are discussed. The concept of wind tunnel measurements is explained and the validity of the measurements in relation to the Eurocode is discussed. The different deliverables of a wind tunnel test are presented, showing the purpose and use of the test results.

Key Takeaways:

• Why wind load analysis are essential
• Basic principles of wind–structure interaction
• Fundamentals of wind tunnel tests
• Real-world project examples where wind load studies made a difference

dr. ir. Lourens Aanen –  Wind engineering consultant at Peutz. Most of his work concerns projects on light and flow related questions, with a focus on the interaction of wind and buildings.

CFD in Structural Engineering – The Multitool for Wind Problems?

The use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in structural engineering is increasingly promoted by software vendors. User-friendly interfaces and growing computational power make CFD appear more accessible than ever. But is it truly the universal multitool for solving the complex phenomena associated with natural wind? Or do software packages sometimes promise more than they can reliably deliver, creating the risk that engineers misinterpret results and misdesign structures?

Key Takeaways:

• Why CFD is not a universal solution for all wind-related problems
• Critical modelling choices that influence reliability
• How can we interpret numerical wind analyses accurately while avoiding common traps of overconfidence and misinterpretation?
• How to combine CFD with Eurocode provisions, engineering judgment, and wind tunnel testing
• The structural engineer’s role in using CFD responsibly

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank H. Kempker – Academic Director, Center for Wind and Earthquake Engineering, RWTH Aachen University. His work focuses on wind–structure interaction, structural dynamics, and the reliability of steel and wind turbine structures.

From Wind Load Testing to Wind Load Design – Early Integration for Optimal Results

Wind tunnel testing is typically conducted late in the building design process to assess local and global wind loads. When results reveal safety concerns in an advanced stage, design revisions can cause significant delays and added cost. Conversely, when results indicate that wind loads may be reduced, opportunities for design optimisation are often difficult to implement and therefore only partially utilised.

This talk explores the benefits of shifting wind load testing to the earliest phases of project development. By integrating this analysis from the start, both new construction and renovation projects can benefit from better-informed feasibility assessments, improved risk management, and more efficient design optimisation.

Key Takeaways:

• How early wind load testing supports project feasibility
• Cost optimisation and risk reduction through early wind engineering
• Optimal timing for local and global wind load testing in the design process
• Building aspects with the strongest influence on global wind loads

ir. Thomas Saes – Wind engineering consultant at Peutz. From a background as aerospace engineer he has a strong experience in wind tunnel testing for maritime projects, high-rise buildings and stadiums.

Wind-Induced Building Vibrations – Designing for Comfort

To ensure comfort in high-rise buildings, structural engineers pay close attention to the accurate determination of natural frequencies and damping values. But to what extent do surrounding buildings affect the wind-induced dynamic response of a high-rise tower? This work is crucial for preventing over-dimensioning of the main load-bearing structure and avoiding unwanted building vibrations. This work is crucial for preventing over-dimensioning of the main load-bearing structure and avoiding unwanted building vibrations. 

In this talk, we will demonstrate how the dynamic response of a high-rise tower could be significantly affected by surrounding buildings using wind tunnel research. The determined dynamic response is compared with calculated Eurocode responses. And a comparison is made with in-situ measured responses for validation purposes of the applied methodology.

Key Takeaways:

• Impact of surrounding buildings on wind-induced responses
• Advantages and limitations of wind tunnel testing vs. Eurocode calculations
• How wind tunnel results relate to real in-situ measurements
• Parameters structural designers must consider to ensure comfort

ir. Ivo van de Weijer – Wind engineering consultant at Peutz. Trained in physics and fluid dynamics, he focuses on wind loading for urban and solar energy system projects and contributes to the HiViBe consortium studying high-rise building responses.