Turbulence intensity footprints of built and natural environment as measured by anemometers at Hong Kong International Airport

Abstract

Terrain and building-induced low-level turbulence is studied in this paper. Data from six anemometers, respectively along the North and South Runways of Hong Kong International Airport, are analysed over the period of 2012 to 2018. From this data the recorded turbulence intensities have been computed and the footprints plotted. A joint analysis of the turbulence footprints together with the surrounding environment, using maps and photographs, reveals likely upstream causes influencing the directional distribution of observed turbulence intensities. Signatures from nearby objects and buildings, such as terminals and hangars, are easily identifiable. This paper serves as a unique documentation of possible building influence on wind measurements at a densely-developed, major international airport, and provides useful reference to meteorologists and wind engineers at airports in other parts of the world.

Keywords

• anemometers
• exposure
• turbulence
• representativity
• airports