Complementary use of CFD simulations and wind tunnel tests in wind engineering: A practical classification and examples of their integration

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become an indispensable tool in wind engineering, providing detailed insights into airflow, pollutant dispersion, and wind loading in complex built environments. Researchers initially expected that CFD would eventually replace traditional wind tunnel testing; however, experience has shown that each method has unique strengths and limitations. The growing consensus is that these two approaches should be used in a complementary manner to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of wind engineering analyses. Although many studies have explored the combined use of CFD and wind tunnel experiments, a clear and systematic classification of how these methods can work together has not yet been formally established. This study proposes a structured framework that categorizes their complementary integration into four representative forms: (1) validation of CFD results using wind tunnel data, (2) model improvement through experimental feedback, (3) integration across various spatial and temporal scales, and (4) the use of CFD to enhance wind tunnel test design. Each category is illustrated with examples from recent research. The discussion highlights practical applications, current limitations, and future opportunities for advancing the complementary use of CFD and wind tunnel testing in wind engineering.