Simulation of non-Gaussian field applied to wind pressure fluctuations

A simulation algorithm to generate non-Gaussian wind pressure fields is proposed. This algorithm uses the correlation-distortion method based on translation vector processes. Conditions on the matrix of cross-covariance functions are given to assure the applicability of the model. The proposed method does not require iterative procedures and it is well suited when experimental data are available. In particular it requires cross-covariance functions and marginal distribution that can be directly estimated from data. To illustrate the procedure, the model is calibrated on experimental results obtained from wind tunnel tests on a tall building. The efficiency of the proposed methodology for reproducing the non-Gaussian nature of pressure fluctuations on separated flow regions is demonstrated. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.