On the wind-loading mechanism of roofing elements

Abstract

The outer, wind-exposed layer of many roofing systems is wind permeable. The wind load on a roofing element of such systems is determined by the pressure difference across the roofing element. Only the external pressure distribution induced largely by the building flow field is given in wind-loading codes. The application of the codes to wind-permeable roofing systems usually leads to very conservative wind loads. This paper describes the wind-loading mechanism for three widely used roofing elements. The experimental results obtained give a reliable basis for designing more economic roofing systems.