The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-based approach enables physically consistent, research-grade assessment of air quality impacts, supporting advanced environmental analysis in large-scale infrastructure projects.
For the Mediterranean Corridor Project (BiH–Croatia CVc road interconnection), namely the subsection from Konjic (Ovčari) via Prenj Tunnel to Mostar North, a detailed air quality assessment was conducted to evaluate potential impacts on people and the environment during both the construction and operational phases.
The modelling was performed using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach, based on high-resolution numerical simulations. The workflow consists of several key steps:
- Reconstruction of complex terrain and project geometry,
- Representation of land-use zones using a porosity-based approach (meadows, forests, built areas),
- Generation of a refined 3D computational mesh (5m×5m resolution),
- Definition of realistic emission sources and meteorological scenarios.
A specific focus was placed on low-wind, thermally driven flow regimes, representing stable atmospheric conditions in which dispersion is limited and pollutant accumulation is most critical.
The simulations resolved velocity, temperature, and pollutant concentration fields in great spatial detail, providing a robust basis for analysing pollutant transport mechanisms in complex mountainous environments.
This project is part of a team effort led by the COWI-IPF consortium, and financed under the WBIF – Western Balkans Investment Framework.
