Wind Tunnel Research

The 2.5m x 2.0m x 22m long Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel is used for carrying out research in the area of wind effects on structures. These research outcomes find many practical applications by being incorporated in wind loading standards such as AS/NZS 1170.2 AS/NZS 4650, and building codes of practice. Spatial and temporal characteristics of wind pressures acting on various types of structures (such as canopy roofs, houses, industrial sheds and stadiums) and their response to these fluctuating pressures are being studied. Variations in internal pressure with varying envelope porosity and its interaction with the external pressure distributions are also analysed in determining the net wind loads on cladding and the primary structure. Other research areas of interest include the use of pressure distribution for estimating the natural ventilation potential in houses, and the study of wind flow patterns over complex topographical features which may be used in determining a site's wind energy potential.

The Cyclone Testing Station is working with the Australian Building Codes Board, Geosciences Australia and Emergency Management Queensland on assessing the vulnerability of houses located in cyclonic and non cyclonic regions of Australia. As part of these studies, existing houses and houses under construction have been surveyed and full scale houses and their components tested and analysed. Together with wind tunnel tests and full scale wind load data, vulnerability models that estimate damage to a range of house types are being produced. These models incorporate engineering theory and reliability analysis of housing performance and are validated from post windstorm damage investigations.

The outcomes from these studies are being expanded to align with the work at the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility.