Generation of local wind pressure coefficients for the design of low building roofs

Abstract

This paper presents recent research on the experimental evaluation of wind loads on low buildings and the recommendations provided in the form of traditional codification. These mainly include the wind loads on buildings with geometries different from those examined in previous studies. This is followed by the evaluation of simulated wind loads on low building roofs. The overall application of a recently proposed simulation methodology for codification purposes is discussed in detail. The traditional codification provides for a group of roof geometries a single peak design pressure coefficient for each roof zone considering a nominal worst-case scenario; this may often lead to uneconomical loads. Alternatively, thernpresented methodology is capable of providing peak pressure coefficients corresponding to specific roof geometries and according to risk levels; this can generate risk consistent and more economical design wind loads for specific roof configurations taking into account, for instance, directional design conditionsrnand upstream roughnesses.