Wind Engineering

This textbook provides a thorough exploration of wind effects on the built environment, serving as a valuable reference for students, researchers, and practicing engineers. Wind has always influenced the design and performance of structures, from early construction methods to today’s most advanced engineering achievements. In modern practice, the demand for taller buildings, longer-span bridges, and more resilient infrastructure has heightened the need for a deep understanding of wind–structure interaction.
The book begins by introducing the fundamental principles that govern wind characteristics and wind-induced loads. It then progresses to specialized topics such as wind climate analysis, aerodynamics, and wind tunnel testing. Special attention is given to how structures—including bridges, towers, and vehicles—respond to wind, emphasizing the impact on their safety, serviceability, and overall performance. A distinctive feature of this textbook is its integration of theoretical foundations with real-world applications. Drawing on current research and case studies, it provides readers with the tools to approach practical design problems while maintaining a solid grasp of fundamental concepts. The work also presents recent advances in wind tunnel methodologies and numerical modelling of fluid–structure interaction, providing insights into ongoing developments in the field. Ultimately, this book empowers readers with both knowledge and a critical perspective, fostering a deeper understanding of wind engineering and its essential role in the sustainable and resilient development of the built environment.

Giorgio Diana is a professor emeritus at Politecnico di Milano. He serves as a member of the Scientific Board of the Politecnico di Milano Wind Tunnel. His main research fields are: bridge dynamics, cable dynamics, railway vehicle—infrastructure dynamic interaction, and aeroelasticity problems. He is a member of International Association of Bridge Engineers (IABSE) and the chairman of Task Group 3.1 (Super-long Span Bridge Aerodynamics). He serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics. Prof. Diana received the following awards: 2014 IAWE Senior Award with Davenport medal,  from IAWE—International Association of Wind Engineers; the European Railway Award 2014 from the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) and the European Rail Industry Association (UNIFE); 2009 Robert H. Scanlan Medal from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) on June 26, 2009.

Daniele Rocchi is a full professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano and past member of the CEN working group for standardization on train aerodynamics and of the Italian Association for Wind Engineering steering committee. His main research interests in wind engineering are: long span bridges aeroelasticity and cross wind effects on vehicles.

 Tommaso Argentini is an associate professor of Applied Mechanics at Politecnico di Milano, where he teaches and conducts research in structural dynamics and fluid–structure interaction. His work focuses on the aeroelasticity of long-span bridges and on wind engineering applications to civil infrastructures. He serves as a reviewer for leading international scientific journals and has contributed to numerous national and international research projects.

 Federico Zanelli is an assistant professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano. His research activities concern wind engineering, with a focus on aerodynamics of cables and bridges by means of experimental tests in Wind Tunnel and Cable Dynamics Laboratory, and monitoring nd diagnostics of railway vehicles and infrastructure.

Stefano Giappino is Test Engineer at the Politecnico di Milano Wind Tunnel GVPM. He is specialized in wind tunnel testing and measurement techniques in fluid dynamics.  His expertise spans wind engineering, wind-induced vibrations, wind characteristics and probabilistic analysis of extreme winds and sports aerodynamics.