The interaction of the environment with the architectural and structural features of a sports facility has significant impact on the facility, spectators, athletes, and the play of the game. Studying these impacts during the design phase provides valuable information and identifies solutions to problems. The result is an enhanced, safer, and more economical facility which will attract spectators. RWDI brings many capabilities to its sports facility studies around the world.

Wind Loads

Roofs and walls of major structures, such as stadiums and arenas, require accurate information on static and dynamic wind loads to reduce over design and improve safety. For facilities with a retractable roof, aerodynamic stability under various wind conditions and roof positions should be assessed to identify unstable conditions, while lateral loads should be determined to assist in the design of the roof drive system.

Turf Microclimate

Healthy natural turf in stadiums, on golf courses, and on other playing surfaces depends on many factors including the microclimatic efforts of: sunlight, cloud coverage, precipitation, humidity, soil temperature, air temperature (including diurnal fluctuations), and ventilation. By providing information on many of these issues to the turf consultant, the turf system can be tailored to local conditions, resulting in greener and healthier turf. Design modifications can also be identified to improve turf quality.

Snow

Snow loads on large roofs can be excessive and result in failure of the structure. Accurate snow load information can identify areas where the analytical code could be exceeded or where it causes over design. Snow drifting in key areas such as entrances, exits, and loading docks can increase maintenance costs and reduce the safety of pedestrians.

Pedestrian / Spectator Comfort

The interaction of wind with the design of a facility and its surroundings can create increased wind velocities at pedestrian level. The level of comfort can also be affected by temperature, humidity, activity, clothing level, exposure time, and solar radiation. Wind breaks, screens, and minor modifications to the design of the structure can improve wind and comfort levels.

Object Trajectories

Many things can influence the game and the layout of the field.  The goal is to ensure the participants are comfortable and can perform without interference.  Things to consider include participant vision (sun, glare, shadows) and object trajectory (wind impacts on baseballs, footballs and other flying objects).  Characteristics of a new facility can be identified that would otherwise take years of playing to understand.

Sun / Shade / Glare

For outdoor facilities, the sun/shade patterns created by the facility and its surroundings may impact the play of the game, as well as, spectator viewing and comfort. The impact of solar glare from reflective surfaces such as announcement booth windows, curtainwall finishes, private viewing boxes, etc., can impact the athletes.

Internal Ventilation

Identifying the effectiveness of the ventilation system in terms of temperature and air flow is important for economic operation of air-conditioning and heating systems, spectator comfort, and safety in the event of a fire. In arenas, ventilation studies can show whether constant and uniform air flow and temperature will occur over the ice surface, thereby preventing inconsistencies in the quality of ice surface.

Air Quality

Emissions from diesel generators and boiler stacks are often a concern as re-entrainment of these fumes into the fresh air intakes could cause problems in terms of odor and health. Emissions from nearby traffic systems, vehicles using service entrance and loading docks, and buses idling in special parking areas can often migrate into the facility.

Noise / Acoustics / Vibration

Today's multipurpose facilities require functional acoustics for a wide variety of events. Optimal amounts of placement of sound absorptive finishes enhance speech intelligibility and music uses, while background noise from crowds and / or mechanical systems is controlled for broadcast booths, private boxes, and hotel suites. Floor vibration of spectator decks should also be addressed to avoid uncomfortable, perceptible motion.