Evaluation of the Influence of Anemometer Position around Railway Structures on Wind Observation Data

Anemometers are used to detect wind speed for operation control of trains. Since these anemometers usually are installed close to railway structures along sections of railway line, the wind velocity data readings may be affected by the structures. This study uses wind-tunnel tests and field wind observations to investigate the influence of the anemometer position on the wind velocity readings. Three types of railway structure were considered: a single-track bridge, a double-track viaduct and a single-track embankment. The results showed that the maximum instantaneous wind-velocities at the anemometer position on the leeward side of the railway structure were higher than those at the reference point as the wind direction against the railway track approached 90 degrees. The height of the measurement point and the size of the wind-direction angle in relation to the location of the railroad truck had an effect on the maximum instantaneous wind-velocity ratios regardless of the kind of railroad structure and location (leeward or windward) of the measurement point.