Comparisons of wind-tunnel and full-scale surface pressure measurements on low-rise pitched-roof buildings

Abstract

Full-scale surface pressure measurements recorded on a range of agricultural buildings provided the basis for a series of full-scale/model-scale comparisons using 1:100 scale models. Mean, rms, maximum and minimum pressure coefficients and real time pressure data were recorded for comparison with full-scale data. This paper focuses on the mean pressure results for four low-rise buildings. Pressure distributions at mid-building-length for winds perpendicular to the ridge line are compared. Effects of the model-scale wind profile on the pressure distributions are also included. The results show that very good agreement is possible between full-and model-scale data. This agreement is shown to hold as the wind direction changes about the transverse wind direction. However, where separation and recirculation occur on the windward roof slope, the model-scale significantly underestimates the suctions. This effect appears to be roof pitch dependent, there being a greater effect at 15° than at 10°. Consequently, the pressure distribution on the model can be altered significantly across the entire roof.