Sand / Snow Drifting
Watch as particles accumulate around the buildings
By combining various components of our Wind Engineering expertise, we can assess and model various wind borne particle transport phenomena including sand / snow drifting around structures.
From the proposal stage, RWDI Anemos will work with you to determine the optimal study type for your development. The potential study types for sand / snow drifting include the following:
Advising on Site Planning
Consulting and advising on the layout and massing of subdivisions, based on the meteorology and topography of the site. Guidelines would include the orientation of buildings, potential massing shapes and road placement.
Sand / Snow drifting Review
A basic study of the buildings geometry, site and surroundings, in combination with meteorological data for the area. By using the sand / snow transport equations and combining them with local wind climate data we are able to quickly, and graphically, home in on the key wind directions likely to cause problems for the design team. This allows effort to be cost-effectively focused on the issues that matter. Advice is given on potential ground level sand / snow drifting issues and how to resolve them.
Enhanced Sand / Snow drifting Review
A three-dimensional computer model of the site, surroundings and topography is created. Using the proprietary VirtualDrift, a numerical simulation is performed for multiple wind directions. While similar to the above Sand / Snow Drift Review, images of the potential drifting on and around a building or community of buildings can be provided. In addition, by using computer modelling, alterations to the massing of the building can be made easily, allowing for iterative design.
Similar techniques, including the use of a water flume, can be applied to snow drifting - something that our Canadian colleagues have great experience of.
Sand / Snow drifting Study
A physical scale model of the building and its surroundings is constructed and placed in the water flume. This analysis will examine multiples of key wind directions, based on meteorological analysis. Photographs of the study model will be taken and included in the final report, in order to illustrate potential problems as well as positive design features. RWDI Anemos can then provide recommendations and further mitigative testing to evaluate sand / snow control measures such as landscaping, canopies and walls.
