Investigation on wind tunnel experiments of ridge-valley tensile membrane structures

Abstract

In this study, we aim to investigate the wind pressure acting on ridge-valley tensile membrane structures through wind tunnel experiments. The experimental models were designed according to the statistics of practical engineering projects. Wind tunnel experiments were performed to investigate the effects of wind direction, rise-span ratio, eaves height and terrain roughness. The closed and open structures were both considered. The wind force coefficients were determined experimentally to analyse the mean wind pressure on the entire roof. Subsequently, the mean wind pressure coefficients were obtained to analyse the mean wind pressure distribution. Results show that the mean wind pressure is highly affected by wind direction and rise-span ratio. The terrain roughness exhibits a mild influence on the mean wind pressure, whereas the eaves height exhibits minimal influence. Additionally, the peak wind pressure coefficients were calculated to evaluate the effects of wind direction and rise-span ratio. Clustering analysis was performed to establish a zoning method of wind pressure, which has been proven reliable. Accordingly, the corresponding wind pressure coefficients of zone for the main wind-force resisting system and for the cladding were suggested. The outcomes of the wind pressure analysis, wind pressure coefficient of zone and zoning method for this type of structures are expected to be useful to engineers and researchers.