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Wind Studies

Kaahumanu Center
Kahului, Hawaii

 


The expansion plan for this one-story mall included the addition of two new two-story wings integrated with a new second floor addition built over the existing mall with a portion of the mall to include a new fabric roof. We were retained to perform a two phase wind study. Phase I included testing performed at the conceptual design stage addressing the daily wind flow environment of selected critical points in and around the shopping center, the probable rain penetration between the upper fabric roofs and the lower solid roofs that may occur during rainstorms associated with trade winds and winter Kona winds, and the minimum air movement conditions inside the mall. Wind information provided in Phase 1 was used by the architect to refine and/or alter or modify their conceptual design. We identified areas where uncomfortable wind conditions would occur and worked with the architect to develop appropriate mitigating measures which consisted of rows of dense tall trees and glass screens at the upper dining balcony area. Rain penetration study results were used to redesign roof overhangs and awnings to minimize the penetration of rain. Air movement study indicated that air flow through the mall was adequate for natural ventilation. The Phase 2 wind study was conducted to determine the design wind pressures on the fabric roof of the mall.

 


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