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CONTENTS
Volume 42, Number 2, February 2026 (Special Issue)
 

Abstract
This Special Issue collects a selection of scientific contributions presented at IN-VENTO 2024, the biannual conference of the Italian Association for Wind Engineering (ANIV), held in Pisa from 9 to 11 September 2024. Organized in a stimulating and collaborative environment, the 2024 edition once again served as a national and international forum for researchers and engineers engaged in advancing the understanding of wind-related phenomena and their impact on the built and natural environments. The papers gathered cover a wide range of topics, spanning experimental, numerical, and theoretical approaches, reflecting the breadth of contemporary research in wind engineering. The addressed topics include gust buffeting and the response of wind turbine towers under mild and severe wind conditions; topographic effects on the aerodynamic design of long-span bridges such as the Julsundet Bridge; the influence of sand dune geometry on aeolian erosion and dune migration investigated through wind tunnel experiments; and high-fidelity 3D LES simulations of wind-induced loads and pressures on rectangular prisms at varying angles of attack. Further studies address the aerodynamic and dynamic behavior of aeroelastic tree models with different crown porosities, wind-induced tree collapse along railway corridors supported by mesoscale risk mapping, advances toward a reliable calibration of wind load partial factors for the Italian climate, and cost-based versus sustainability-based optimal design strategies for tall steel buildings subjected to wind loads. Together, these works provide a comprehensive overview of current challenges and innovative methodologies in wind engineering. Each contribution underwent a rigorous peer-review process to ensure scientific quality and relevance. We are grateful to all authors for their valuable work and to the reviewers for their time and constructive feedback. We would also like to thank supporting institutions (ANIV and University of Pisa) and the sponsors (GERB Vibration Control Italy and Pininfarina Wind Tunnel) whose efforts made IN-VENTO 2024 a successful and inspiring event. We hope that the research presented in this volume will serve as a useful reference for the wind engineering community and foster further innovation in the field.

Key Words


Address
Alessandro Mariotti: University of Pisa, Italy

Maria Vittoria Salvetti: University of Pisa, Italy


Abstract
The ratio 3:2 rectangular prism belongs to the separated type flow at 0° angle of attack (AOA), featuring a critical AOA in the range (8°, 9°), in smooth flow, for which important changes in the force coefficients and flow patterns have been described, based on experimental tests. 3 LES simulations are presented herein for 0°, 4°, 8° and 12° AOA in smooth flow, aiming at i) shedding additional light on the flow features and wind-induced actions before and after the critical AOA, and ii) assessing the ability of 3D LES models to correctly simulate the aerodynamic behaviour of this geometry, which has been categorized as Reynolds number sensitive, showing some non-Gaussian characteristics according to recent experimental research. The CFD simulations were successful in capturing the changes in the mean force coefficients for the studied angles of attack. Similarly, mean and extreme pressure coefficients were obtained, showing the CFD-based pressure distributions minor bias in the median towards higher values, when compared with wind tunnel data. Furthermore, mean flow structures and pressure correlations distributions have been analysed, providing an enhanced description of the flow features at AOA lower and higher than the critical one.

Key Words
3:2 prism; 3D LES; correlation; force coefficients; friction coefficient; pressure distributions; streamlines

Address
Antonio J. Álvarez:CITEEC, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Galicia, Spain

Félix Nieto:CITEEC, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Galicia, Spain

Kenny C. S. Kwok:The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

Luca Patruno: University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Abstract
This paper focuses on the topic of structural optimization applied to the case of tall steel buildings subjected to wind action. A detailed study is conducted exploring how structural optimization can be applied in an automated manner using programming software (MatlabR). The primary objective is to analyze how the configuration of a tall building changes due to the structural optimization process, and in particular by referring to different objective functions. In particular, three different objective functions are taken into account: total structural steel volume, total structural cost and total CO2 emissions produced by steel production. The optimization is carried out taking into account the results of the structural analysis for both the along-wind and across-wind directions, ensuring the fulfilment of predefined performance levels to guarantee safety and comfort for users. The objective functions also consider the detailed contribution of the connections, thus providing a detailed evaluation of both costs and emissions as a function of these components. The procedure is applied to a case study 40-storey case study steel building for which the incidence of the connections on the total volume, cost, or CO2 emission is evaluated.

Key Words
bolted connections; CO2 emissions; costs; structural optimization; tall buildings; wind

Address
A. Giovania:Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome Italy

M. Franciolib:Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome Italy

M. De Angelisc:Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome Italy

F. Petrini:Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome Italy

Abstract
This work focuses on the full-scale gust buffeting response of an isolated wind turbine tower (without rotor-nacelle assembly) about 116 m tall placed at Østerild Test Center (Denmark). It aims to clarify the reliability of analytical models behind design standards through the analysis of combined measurements of wind and structural response. The tower was instrumented with strain gauges mounted close to the base, which indirectly measured the bending moment (net of the mean component), and an accelerometer at about the top. Wind data, mostly velocity and direction at different heights, were recorded by nearby meteorological masts, and they are used to characterize the wind environment in terms of mean velocity profile, turbulence intensity, power spectral density, integral length scale, and coherence of velocity fluctuations. Mild wind conditions, differently from severe conditions, result not well described by the formulations provided by design standards, whereas the coherence function exhibits a disagreement with theoretical models also at high wind velocities. The measured along-wind and across-wind response (in terms of bending moment) is compared with the values got from the direct implementation of gust buffeting theory for line like structures, by using the actual wind characteristics. While a good agreement is found for the along-wind response, especially for the upper bound of the estimated structural damping, the across-wind response significantly deviates from a pure gust buffeting response even at high wind velocity, well above the expected lock-in range. Clear nonlinear aeroelastic response features are highlighted in those cases. Moreover, a comparison with common design standards is developed for the along-wind response, which is significantly underestimated in mild wind conditions.

Key Words
across-wind response; along-wind response; full-scale measurements; gust buffeting; mild/severe wind; wind turbine tower

Address
Alessandro Giusti:Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S, Borupvej 16, 7330 Brande, Denmark

Tommaso Ballantini:Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Florence, Via di Santa Marta 3, 50139 Florence, Italy

Alessio Torrielli:Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S, Borupvej 16, 7330 Brande, Denmark

Claudio Mannini:CRIACIV/Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Florence,
Via di Santa Marta 3, 50139 Florence, Italy

Abstract
Windblown sand disrupts and inundates infrastructure, agricultural farmlands and causes severe environmental impacts. The extent of aeolian erosion is highly influenced by the morphology of sand dunes and wind flow patterns in the vicinity. The current study aims to understand the influence of sand dune geometry on the sand migration and dune evolution system. Wind tunnel experimentation was conducted on three dune geometries of varying stoss slope (32°, 20° and 10°) and identical lee slope (32°). The wind tunnel testing on sand-based dune models revealed the temporal dune evolution patterns that represent the strategic influence of the stoss slope on wind flow around the dunes. Until the threshold friction velocity limit of sand grains, the aeolian erosion measured in terms of soil mass loss (SML, %) was negligible even with an increase in testing duration. However, 20% increase in wind speed from 7.8 to 9.4 m/s increased the SML from 0.05% to 14.23%, 0.46% to 24.51% and 4.76% to 37.24% for 32°, 20° and 10° models, respectively. Further testing at higher wind speed of 10.5 m/s evidenced the formation of shadow dunes along with an increase in SML. The migration pattern from temporal dune evolution concludes that dune with steeper slope offered relatively more resistance to initiation of erosion and migration. However, in the secondary stage of erosion, dune topography varies drastically, and steeper slope is no longer the highly resistant dune. The distinct behavior of 10° stoss slope dune piques interest in current study and relates to the dune process and cyclic evolution of dune systems.

Key Words
aeolian erosion; sand dunes; sand migration; wind tunnel

Address
Sumaja Kolli:1)Department of Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
2)Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur,
Jodhpur 342030, India

Anuj Bind:Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur,
Jodhpur 342030, India

Pradeep Kumar Dammala:Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur,
Jodhpur 342030, India

Hassan Hemida:Department of Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom

Abstract
Many major cities worldwide have recently initiated tree-planting programs to improve the resilience of urban environment based on several environmental and social benefits of trees. However, wind loads are known to have a significant impact on trees, and presently, little is known about tree aerodynamics. A wind tunnel test at BLWTL of Western University was carried out to investigate the aerodynamic loads and response of a tree using an aeroelastic model with a range of crown porosity. These loads reflect the level of alteration imparted to the momentum of the flow by the presence of trees. This study estimates the changes in the aerodynamic behavior of a tree all around the year, due to seasonal change of leaves by considering different crown porosities. The drag force on the tree was found to vary quadratically with the wind speed, consistent with the literature for stiff trees. Moreover, the results show that for an aerodynamic porosity greater than 0.6, the drag coefficient decreases drastically for all the wind speeds considered in the study.

Key Words
sustainability; tree aerodynamics; wind tunnel

Address
Alessia Piazza:1)Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA),
University of Genoa, Via Montallegro 1, 16145 Genoa, Italy
2)WindEEE Research Facility/Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London ON, N6A 5B9, Canada

Anwar D. Awol:WindEEE Research Facility/Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London ON, N6A 5B9, Canada

Girma T. Bitsuamlak:WindEEE Research Facility/Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Western University, London ON, N6A 5B9, Canada

Maria Pia Repetto:Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA), University of Genoa, Via Montallegro 1, 16145 Genoa, Italy

Abstract
In the last years, the debate on calibration of partial factors for climatic actions has gained strength and has shown conflicting results concerning the need for their updating. In the case of wind actions, it is argued that in some cases current values are based on probabilistic models not matching the physical model adopted by the same Code. On the other hand, calibration at the national level seems appropriate for at least three reasons: (a) the peculiarities of the extreme wind climate of different climatic zones, (b) the different characteristics and quality of data, and (c) the additional uncertainty arising from zoning. In this framework, this paper investigates the actual reliability level of structures to wind actions and attempts to calibrate wind load partial factor with reference to the Italian extreme wind climate.

Key Words
design wind map; load factor; structural reliability; uncertainty; wind action

Address
Vincenzo Picozzi:Department of Engineering, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Aversa, Italy

John D. Sørensen:Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

Alberto M. Avossa:Department of Engineering, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Aversa, Italy

Francesco Ricciardelli:Department of Engineering, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', Aversa, Italy

Abstract
The design of long-span bridges in complex terrains poses significant challenges, particularly in regions with pronounced topographic variations. This study examines the influence of topography on the wind characteristics and its implications for the aerodynamic design of the Julsundet Bridge, a planned long-span structure in Norway. Experimental data from terrain model wind tunnel tests are analyzed to assess how local topography affects wind speed, turbulence intensity, and directional changes along the bridge axis. Special focus is placed on the variations in angle of attack and velocity distribution induced by the surrounding fjords. Results showing terrain-induced effects on the wind directions, turbulence intensities and mean wind velocities are presented. The results highlight substantial spatial heterogeneity in wind characteristics, which must be considered in the prediction of the buffeting response of the bridge. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating site-specific topographic effects in the design process to ensure optimal performance and safety of the bridge built in complex terrain.

Key Words
long-span bridges; topographic effects; wind tunnel tests

Address
Giulia Pomaranzi:Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via La Masa 1, 20156, Milan, Italy

Filippo Calamelli:Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via La Masa 1, 20156, Milan, Italy

Tommaso Argentini:Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via La Masa 1, 20156, Milan, Italy

Alberto Zasso:Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via La Masa 1, 20156, Milan, Italy

Jungao Wang:Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Stavanger, Norway

Abstract
Wind-induced tree collapse on critical infrastructures, such as railway lines, results from the interaction between wind in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer, tree aerodynamics and mechanics, and specific features of the infrastructure. Wind-induced tree collapse may affect railway capacity and safety. The resulting losses may be related to delays, cancellations, or even damages caused to the infrastructure or the rolling stock. In order to face the potential adverse events above, risk analysis provides a sound methodological framework to infer critical railway segments referring to the main risk determinants: wind hazard, tree and railway exposure, and tree vulnerability to wind. Each risk determinant has and can be modelled at multiple scales in space and or time. The risk assessment should effectively model hazard, exposure, and vulnerability at a selected scale that is consistent across all three determinants and relevant to the context of interest. In this study, a mesoscale approach is proposed to assess and map the relative risk level of different railway segments along a line or within a network. Wind hazard index is grounded on the extreme wind speed mapping obtained by the Authors by means of a reanalysis-based approach. Tree exposure index is defined on the basis of land cover characteristics. Tree vulnerability index is defined with reference to the critical wind speed for tree collapse. Each index and the resulting risk is mapped by Geographic Information System tools. The Calabria region in Southern Italy is selected as a challenging benchmark due to its variable orography and due to the wide presence of railway lines surrounded by tree canopies both in coastal and mountainous zones. The proposed mesoscale approach allows to identify in quantitative relative terms the most endangered railway segments over the region of interest.

Key Words
GIS; mesoscale; railway infrastructure; risk; tree collapse; wind hazard

Address
Lorenzo Raffaele:GeoWindy R&D group, Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino,
Viale Mattioli 39, Torino, 10126, Italy

Elisabetta Colucci:GeoWindy R&D group, Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino,
Viale Mattioli 39, Torino, 10126, Italy

Luca Bruno:GeoWindy R&D group, Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino,
Viale Mattioli 39, Torino, 10126, Italy

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