Categorical evaluation of methods for estimating aerodynamic parameters for vertical wind speed profiles over built-up areas: A systematic review

Sun, W., He, Y., Barlow, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9022-6833, Ren, C., Tam, C. Y., Yuan, C., Fung, J. C. H. and Ng, E. (2026) Categorical evaluation of methods for estimating aerodynamic parameters for vertical wind speed profiles over built-up areas: A systematic review. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 274. 106457. ISSN 0167-6105 doi: 10.1016/j.jweia.2026.106457

Abstract/Summary

Accurate representation of vertical wind speed profiles in built-up areas requires reliable aerodynamic parameters: roughness length (z0), zero-plane displacement (zd) in the logarithmic law (LOG), and wind shear exponent (α) in the power law (PL) model. However, inconsistent classification of terrain roughness and atmospheric stability has hindered the comparison and transferability of estimation methods and empirical parameter values across studies. This study systematically reviews 143 cases worldwide to establish classification schemes for roughness and stability, enabling evaluation of estimation methods and empirical values. Five methodological categories are identified: anemometric, physical/numerical modeling, morphometric, mathematical and reference-based methods. Comparative evaluation includes 67 z0 and 59 α values across built-up terrains, and 11 α values across stability classes. For different types of terrain, morphometric models are most widely applied, but empirical values remain scarce in high-density and high-rise settings. Discrepancies persist both within and across cases: parameter estimations are constrained by coarse value ranges and inconsistent terrain classifications in the original studies. For stability-related conditions, anemometric methods dominate, although they lack cross-verification, especially under non-neutral atmospheres. Empirical z0 and α values are largely restricted to neutral cases. Deviations arise from the absence of universal definitions and thresholds, also the limited case numbers and cross-regional data. The proposed classification schemes and synthesized recommendations provide guidance for selecting context-appropriate methods and parameter values, particularly in high-density, high-rise areas facing increasing atmospheric instability under low-wind, convective conditions. These findings provide insights for meteorology, wind engineering, wind resource extrapolation, and urban environmental planning in compact cities.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/129761
Identification Number/DOI	10.1016/j.jweia.2026.106457
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences > Department of Meteorology
Publisher	Elsevier
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item