CFD-Assisted Zipline Tower Redesign - Romania
Arcus Engineering adapted and redesigned a recreational zipline tower in Romania after a significant change to the structure's enclosure altered its wind behaviour. The tower was initially designed as an open structure. Four of its five sides were later enclosed with timber surfaces, increasing the wind-exposed area and changing both internal and external pressure conditions.
Closing most of the tower's sides significantly changed the aerodynamic behaviour of the structure.
The original wind assumptions were no longer sufficient because the revised geometry affected:
A more detailed wind assessment was therefore required before the structural design could be updated.
Due to the tower's complex geometry and partially enclosed configuration, Arcus Engineering performed CFD analysis in-house.
The CFD model was used to establish more accurate pressure distributions across the external and internal surfaces of the tower.
The analysis helped determine:
The revised wind pressures were transferred into the structural analysis model.
The increased horizontal forces required the connection system to be reassessed and adapted.
Arcus Engineering verified the affected members and connections under the updated load conditions and developed the corresponding technical documentation.
The initial tower design used tension-rod bracing.
During the redesign, the bracing system was changed to circular hollow section members. Unlike tension-only rods, the CHS members could resist both tension and compression.
This provided a bracing solution better suited to the updated structural behaviour and load reversal conditions.
Arcus Engineering combines CFD wind analysis with structural modelling, connection design and technical detailing for towers, recreational structures and non-standard building envelopes.
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