Europe
Wind Tunnel Test At KV. Kaj 17, Goteborg
Spanning over 37,000 square metres, Gothenburg’s quayside district, Kaj16, is one of the largest hybrid structures in the world. This 16-storey mixed use development is home to mostly flexible offices spaces, with the lower floors offering retail, restaurants and additional leisure facilities.
Windtech Consultants were designated to carry out wind tunnel tests, which included a Facade and Cladding Pressure study, a Thermal Stack Effect Study, and a structural load study. The model was fitted with 510 pressure sensors across the building envelope to measure net pressures for various scenarios, with real-time differential measurements taken for elements exposed to the wind on both sides. The building’s performance during the Summer and Winter seasons was evaluated, including mitigation strategies for adverse conditions. With numerical analysis conducted for the west and east towers, examining pressure distribution across the building height under different ambient temperatures.
The Structural Load wind tunnel test was undertaken using the Area Averaging technique was used due to the unique shape of the building (sloped roof) and the structural FEA model setup. Results are aligned with EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010 and the Swedish Standard (EKS 11), resolving into six critical load cases. As a result of these wind tunnel tests being undertaken using Windtech’s expertise the development was able to achieve an efficient design as well as gain approval by the local authorities.
