Amplification of wind speed at ground level due to construction of high-rise building in urban area

Abstract The influence of the high-rise building on the amplification of the wind speed at ground level is investigated using the techniques of field observation and wind tunnel experiments. The first half of the investigation is observation of the wind flow around a high-rise building in a built-up area of Tokyo, Japan. Changes in the air flow pattern and amplification of wind speed at ground level due to the construction are clarified. The latter half consists of the wind tunnel experiments. A model of a high-rise building is arranged so as to be surrounded by models of low blocks. The mechanism of the occurrence of amplification of wind speed at ground level is analysed in connection with the height of the high-rise building, the height of the low blocks, the configuration of the building, the width of the streets, the wind direction, etc.