CWE study of the aerodynamic interaction between a porous fence and a ground-mounted solid obstacle via pressure jump approach

Porous fences are widely used to mitigate wind-induced effects on built and natural environments. Computational Wind Engineering (CWE) simulations based on Pressure Jump (PJ) approach offer a cost-effective and versatile tool for early-stage design, offering the capability to evaluate a broad spectrum of global and local engineering performance metrics. Although the PJ approach has been validated for external flows in wind engineering applications, previous studies have typically focused on a narrow set of performance metrics. This study evaluates the capability of the PJ method to predict a broad range of engineering metrics by modelling a porous fence sheltering a nominally two-dimensional triangular ridge as a representative case study. The objective is to assess whether the PJ approach can reliably capture performance metrics relevant to wind erosion control, windblown sand transport, and wind-induced loading. Additionally, the study investigates whether a CWE model, separately validated for the distinct aerodynamic behaviours of the porous fence and the ridge, can accurately reproduce their aerodynamic interaction. Results show strong qualitative agreement, but reveal limitations in quantitative accuracy, particularly in the near-wake region immediately downwind of the fence. • A porous fence upwind of a triangular ridge is simulated via 3D RANS. • The porous fence is modelled adopting Pressure Jump (PJ) and Explicit Modelling (EM) approaches. • The model is validated against available wind tunnel measurements. • Results are verified by comparing PJ and EM approaches.