Monte Carlo simulation of wind velocity fields on complex structures

Monte Carlo simulation is becoming a fundamental tool for the design of complex and important wind-excited structures. A common application regards the time-domain dynamic analysis of multi-dof nonlinear structures whose excitation is calculated on the base of simulated wind velocity time-histories. The present paper describes a methodology for the simulation of wind velocity fields over large domains, possibly in zones characterised by complex topography. The modelling of turbulence in non-homogeneous flow condition and some computational aspects related to its simulation are discussed, proposing some strategies for reducing the calculation time. The simulation procedure is applied to the case of the Messina Strait bridge for which the three components of turbulence are simulated over a domain composed by 351 nodes. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.