Wind effects on tall buildings can be accurately predicted by three kinds of tests in a laboratory wind tunnel. Special, highly accurate models are built to represent the building's form and nearby surroundings, often at a scale of 1:400.

This is the original "pressure tap" model for the World Trade Center. It measured local pressures on the facade by using hundreds of tiny tubes that connect to sensors.

There are two other types of models: a "force balance" model that measures overturning of the entire building as wind gusts strike randomly; and an "aeroelastic" model which also measures overturning, but includes the effect of the natural rate of rhythmic rocking back and forth, known as the building's period.

Model Credits:
Loan from Leslie E. Robertson and Associates