CFD-RANS model validation of turbulent flow in a semi-idealized urban canopy

► Two CFD-RANS models are validated against boundary-layer wind tunnel data. ► The test case is novel in terms of the degree of idealization of the urban canopy. ► Validation metrics and pointwise tests reveal model strengths and limitations. ► Unsteadiness of the urban flow is regarded as a major cause of discrepancies. ► The number of test points is crucial for a robust measure of the model performance.