Quantification of residential design parameters' effects on the outdoor wind environment using orthogonal experimental design (OED) and numerical simulation

This paper selected typical flat and tower residential buildings in Beijing, China, to assess comfortable outdoor wind environments in summertime. Numerical analysis was carried out to evaluate design parameters that could influence the outdoor pedestrian-level wind environment during the summer. A total of twenty-seven valid cases using an orthogonal array, L27 (313) orthogonal experimental design (OED) were selected. OED analysis showed significant probability and, therefore, the design parameters' effects on the outdoor wind environment were quantitatively characterized at the pedestrian level. The conclusions were as follows: 1) design factors affecting the outdoor wind environment were found to be floor area ratio, façade direction, and greening rate; 2) the significance probability of design factors ranked highest to lowest in the order of greening rate > floor area ratio > façade direction > building arrangement. The results of such an evaluation can be used as an index for the planning and design process and for feedback of green building projects.