Integrated Aerodynamic–Structural Validation Framework for Wind-Induced Load Assessment

Understanding wind–structure interaction (WSI) in low-rise buildings remains a significant challenge in wind and structural engineering, particularly under highly turbulent and non-stationary wind phenomena such as downbursts and tornado-like vortices. While Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has become a widely adopted tool for predicting wind-induced loads, validation efforts remain predominantly limited to aerodynamic quantities—such as pressure and velocity fields—with insufficient consideration of structural response. This study presents a structured review of contemporary research in wind engineering, encompassing field measurements, wind tunnel experiments, and CFD modeling approaches. Particular attention is paid to turbulence model selection, methodological limitations of conventional validation strategies, and the often-overlooked necessity of incorporating structural response assessment into the validation process. Based on a synthesis of existing research, the paper outlines a multi-level validation perspective in which aerodynamic and structural validation are treated as interconnected components rather than independent procedures. The review identifies a prevailing focus on aerodynamic coefficients and flow field agreement, often lacking systematic integration of structural-scale verification. The proposed perspective emphasizes the need for a transparent and reproducible link between CFD-derived aerodynamic loads and structural response assessment. By bridging computational wind engineering and structural mechanics, this study supports a more reliable evaluation of wind-induced effects on building components and contributes to the development of robust, wind-resilient design methodologies for low-rise structures.