Early stages wind load assessment using Computational Fluid Dynamics: The new Bologna Stadium roof

The use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is rapidly expanding, allowing to complement traditionalwind tunnel tests even in the case of extremely complex geometries at reasonable computational costs. Inthis contribution, we report the experience gained in the preliminary study of the new roof over the BolognaStadium. The study, performed prior to wind tunnel tests, is meant to provide the designer a first evaluation ofwind loads in early design stages, with classical wind tunnel tests planned at the final design stage. The mostcritical loading conditions are identified and the structural response evaluated. Finally, the structural responsesensitivity to damping, which is difficult to be accurately evaluatedapriori, is assessed. The study shows howearly CFD simulations can effectively complement traditional wind tunnel tests in the project development