LES simulations of a downburst immersed in an ABL-like wind

Downburst-related wind actions pose a significant threat to low-rise structures and require further investigations to constitute the corresponding standards and prevent events with fatal consequences. In that perspective, this study aims to address an arguably more realistic scenario of a downburst immersed in an atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) wind. For that purpose, an experimental campaign performed in WindEEE Dome was recreated through LES simulations. The simulated data were compared with the measurements showing a good agreement. Flow visualization revealed the ABL wind may cause asymmetric flow behavior with a standing vortex at the colliding front between the two wind types, and a fast propagating vortex at the rear.