Influence of Observation Height on Relationship between Gust Factor and Ground Surface Roughness

Abstract

When considering the wind-resistant design of low-rise buildings, it is important to evaluate the wind loads accurately. It is necessary to understand in detail the characteristics of natural winds near the ground surface. In the present study, a quantitative estimation method is developed to evaluate the turbulence of winds near the ground surface on the basis of field measurements at various points. The characteristics of surface roughness are evaluated on the basis of several factors obtained from a building information database, and the relationship between these factors and gust factor is discussed based on the observation height.