A study of the wind environment in a city center

Abstract

The nature and effects of windy conditions in a city are first discussed, recording meteorological data are introduced, and existing criteria for the acceptability of a wind environment with regard to pedestrian comfort are described. General features of wind-tunnel techniques are reviewed. A study of the wind environment at a specific site, the center of Charlotte, NC, is made by combining meteorological data taken at a nearby airport with results obtained from wind-tunnel tests conducted on a model of that specific site. Finally, conclusions are drawn concerning the consistency and applicability of currently used pedestrian comfort criteria.