Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Tree Effects on Pedestrian Wind Comfort and Wind Safety Around Coastline Building Resort

Abstract

In this study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was conducted to investigate the flow characteristics around tree windbreaks. In addition, the effects of tree porosity, canopy height, and distance between the trees were also investigated. The main factors that could affect the efficiency of the windbreaks include tree height, width, arrangement, and porosity. The simulation technique allows the trees to be modelled as porous media, where the aerodynamic properties of the trees are performed in the model. The most common tree found in Cenang is the Rhu tree, which is scientifically known as Casuarina equisetifolia (CE), with a drag coefficient of 1.56. The simulation provided a means to analyze the effect of single-row trees in reducing the velocity of the wind flowing towards the building as well as the wind comfort at the pedestrian height. Finally, the simulations revealed that in terms of percentage reduction of U/Uref between a single row of CE and no windbreak at the pedestrian height are 1H = 8.69%, 2H = 17.72%, 3H = 18.04%, and 4H = 15.45%. Thus, it can be deduced that CE trees could act as tree windbreaks and protect buildings against storms and strong wind. This outcome is expected to guide future researchers in their studies of wind comfort and thus contribute to improving the quality of the environment in coastline areas.

Keywords: Strong wind, coastal area, windbreak, Rhu, Casuarina equisetifolia, wind comfort