Numerical Simulation and Wind Tunnel Test on the Wind-Induced Response of Three Typical Types of Greenhouse Main Structures

Abstract

Investigating the wind-induced vibration response of the greenhouse structure, and the wind pressure distribution on its surface takes on a critical significance when the main structure is under large wind loads. A computational fluid dynamics-based study was conducted, and wind tunnel tests were performed to study the wind pressure distribution on the surface of the greenhouse structure. First, three types of greenhouses, including Venlo, Round-arch, and Saw-tooth type greenhouses, were selected as the design models for the study. In addition, the double-span, four-room structure model was built to explore the wind pressure distribution and the extreme wind pressure coefficient on the greenhouse surface for 13 (0°–180°, every 15°) directions of the wind direction to obtain the wind load characteristics in the greenhouse surface under different conditions. The results of the wind tunnel tests were consistent with those of the simulations, with the maximum wind pressure in the X-direction occurring at 30°-wind and the maximum wind pressure in the Y-direction at 75°-wind. The maximum negative wind pressure acting locally on the roof of the greenhouse was twice the maximum positive pressure acting on the windward side of the greenhouse. Accordingly, it is necessary to strengthen the structure in regions sensitive to wind direction with significant response to wind.