Characterization of erodible surfaces with an environmental wind tunnel

The article illustrates the design and the main characteristics of the Environmental Wind Tunnel (EWT) recently built in the laboratories of Cagliari University (DICAAR). The aim of the EWT is the simulation of a part-depth Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) and thus the reproduction of the wind flow over any type of surface. Experimental tests are currently being performed to analyse the correlation between the emission of dust from a variety of erodible samples and the influencing physical parameters (moisture content, percentage of silt, particles density and wind speed). The final aim of the ongoing research is the definition of reliable Emission Factors (EFs) to represent the contribution of tailing basins, mine dumps and stockpiles to the overall emission of particulate matter (PM) from industrial sites and open yards exposed to wind erosion (industrial wind erosion).