Wind tunnel acoustic testing of wind generated noise on building facade elements

The aim of acoustic test conducted was to investigate possibile occurrence of wind generated noise on building facade elements. The intention was to determine under which conditions there is occurrence of narrowband noise with noticeable tonal character, and to record and quantify any other acoustic phenomena that may occur. The object of the test was a building in construction in the city of Zagreb. The tests were conducted in the wind tunnel of the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Zagreb. The aerodynamic parameters were measured and analyzed parallel to the acoustic mesurements. The results of acoustic testing in the wind tunnel show that there is wind generated noise present that is dependent on the wind speed. Also, the measurement showed the occurence of tonal components in the spectrum at certain wind incidence angles. The tonal components became more pronounced and very audible at higher wind speeds. It can be concluded that the mounting of the certain type of facade elements on a building can result in significant wind generated noise levels, both broadband and narrowband. On the basis of the test results and available meteorological data it can be assumed that the noise on the facade elements could occur monthly.