Numerical Analysis of Wind Environment around Sungnyemun Gate Using a Computational Fluid Dynamics Model

Abstract

In this study, the wind environment in an urban area near Sungneymun gate was numerically investigated in the cases of inflow directions. The wind fields for the target area were simulated using Geographic Information System data and Computational Fluid Dynamics model. Results, including vector fields, three-dimensional wind velocity components, and wind speeds, were analyzed to examine flow characteristics. Wind direction variability affected by buildings was shown in the target area. The complex flows around Sungneymun did not depend on the inflow direction as a boundary condition. The wind speed around Sungneymun was generally 3 times stronger at 14 m above ground level (AGL) compared to the surface wind at 2 m AGL and relatively high in the case of easterly inflow. The effect of wind was also analyzed to be relatively significant at the southeast side of Sungneymun. Thus, it was suggested that the assessment of wind environment affected by high-rise and high-density buildings should be necessary for the architectural heritage in urban areas.