Numerical Simulation of the Tree Effects on Wind Comfort and Wind Safety Around Coastline Building Resort

Abstract

Beach resorts located in coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters and extreme weather events. Climate change exacerbates these risks, with rising sea levels, intense rainfall, and cyclones impacting coastal communities, including hotel operators. This study aims to address the challenge of tropical storms resulting from climate change in Langkawi's coastline region, specifically focusing on mitigating their impact on pedestrian wind comfort. The research investigates the quantitative impact of vegetative windbreaks on wind velocity at an open-building resort in Cenang, Langkawi, Malaysia. The goal is to propose effective strategies for reducing wind velocity and enhancing pedestrian wind comfort for beachfront resorts. The primary objective is to determine the optimal arrangement of vegetative windbreaks that provide optimal wind comfort for buildings. Numerical simulations were conducted to analyze flow characteristics around tree windbreaks, with validation through wind tunnel experiments. The simulation method, employing the RNG k-ε turbulence closure scheme, accurately predicted airflow patterns for both single and double rows of trees, treating the trees as porous media with defined aerodynamic properties. Results indicate that staggered double rows of windbreaks offer the most significant improvement in wind shelter, with a maximum mean Boundary Effectiveness Index (mBEI) of approximately 1.92. This configuration ensures greater downwind shelter distances compared to linear double rows and single-row windbreaks, thus enhancing wind comfort. Enhanced wind comfort is crucial for promoting safety and enjoyment during outdoor activities at resort facilities. Strategically planting windbreak trees enables resort management to create a more pleasant environment for guests, shielding them from strong winds while preserving aesthetic appeal. This study offers practical guidelines for resort developers, emphasizing optimal row arrangements and windbreak designs that balance environmental aesthetics with pedestrian wind comfort. Implementing these practices enhances the overall experience for resort guests, contributing to a safer and more enjoyable leisure environment.