Enhancing the aerodynamic performance of large-span roof using a ‘breathable’ optimization tube: A parametric study

Abstract

In wind engineering community, large-span roofs are widely acknowledged to be wind-sensitive, and oftentimes aerodynamic optimization is needed to enhance its wind-resistance. For such purpose, we proposed a “breathable” aerodynamic optimization tube in this study, the performance of which was experimentally examined via a series of wind tunnel tests. The results showed that, the proposed aerodynamic optimization tube is capable to significantly reducing the wind loads on the large-span roof, the effectiveness of which varies with different tube parameters. On this account, the effect of six key parameters, namely section shape, inlet-outlet angle, hole size, in-out ratio, hole distance and inlet hole length were examined independently. Overall, the outcomes are expected to provide important implications regarding the wind-resistance design of large-span roof structures.