Roof Construction Research Articles

Flammability and Mechanical Testing of Sandwich Composite for Rolling Stock Structural Applications

Components made of composite materials are being increasingly used in the construction of rolling stock. Currently, the use of components made of composite materials as train structural elements is increasingly being considered. Non-structural components made of composites are most often found inside rail vehicles (e.g., the interior lining), while structural components made of sandwich composite materials can be used for the roof, sidewalls, and underframe constructions. This article provides a description of an innovative sandwich composite developed for a metro’s underframe, as well as the production process and preparation of the composite specimens. The main parts of the work are flammability and mechanical (static and fatigue) tests of the innovative sandwich composite. The scope of the flammability tests included the testing of the fire properties using the radial plate method, the optical density of smoke, and the content of toxic gases. The mechanical strength of the sandwich composite was examined during a flexural (three-point bending) test and a fatigue strength under a given dynamic load. The results presented in the article are very significant, both in terms of flammability and the mechanical strength tests. In order to produce large-size train components, appropriately large patches of component layers of the composite are required; this may pose production problems.

Optimizing energy efficiency through building orientation and building information modelling (BIM) in diverse terrains: A case study in Pakistan

Building orientation plays a key role in enhancing the built environment's energy efficiency through the application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and energy simulation. Due to their significant global energy consumption, buildings are the focus of energy optimization efforts. This study explores how building orientation, when combined with modern methods like BIM and energy modelling, affects energy usage and savings throughout Pakistan's numerous geographic terrains. The methodology is quantitative, beginning with an extensive review of literature on energy analysis, BIM applications, and urban building energy modelling. Autodesk Insight 360 is employed for energy simulations, which enables the precise prediction of energy consumption by considering various factors such as building orientation, window-to-wall ratios, shading, wall and roof construction, infiltration rates, lighting efficiency, occupancy controls, plug load efficiency, and HVAC systems. Energy simulation of the data indicates that optimizing building orientation alone can result in an average energy savings of 18 %, while combining orientation optimization with improvements in window arrangements and construction materials can achieve savings of up to 30 % over 30 years. The energy simulation results were validated through case study representing typical terrains and building types (commercial and residential), with simulated energy expenditures showing a high correlation (R2 = 0.92) with actual utility bills, adjusted for local energy rates. The findings of this study highlight substantial financial benefits, with potential annual savings ranging from $2500 to $4000 for residential buildings and $10,000 to $15,000 for commercial buildings, depending on building size and location. These results suggest broader applicability to diverse geographical areas and building types in future research. This research contributes significantly to energy-efficient building practices, paving the way for sustainable construction and reduced environmental impact across the varied landscapes of Pakistan.

Review of the Benefits of Green Roofs

Green roofs installed on rooftop of buildings in urban communities have multiple environmental, economic, energy and social benefits. They promote the urban sustainability and the well-being of the local residents. The impact of green roofs in buildings, in the environment and in local communities have been studied. Green roofs remove atmospheric pollutants including carbon dioxide, release oxygen, mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce the energy consumption in buildings, improve the rainwater management, promote urban agriculture, enhance urban green spaces and bring nature closer to local residents. The development of green roofs results in many benefits in the buildings that have been constructed as well as in the broader community. Their construction is financially subsidized in several countries due to their multiple external benefits. In the era of climate change and of sustainable development construction of green roofs in urban environments has multiple positive impacts. Therefore, local and municipal authorities should promote their construction in public and private buildings. The current work emphasizes the benefits of green roofs and it could be useful to policy makers, to public and municipal authorities as well as to architects, construction companies and buildings’ owners who should promote their development in urban communities.

Bond Shear Tests to Evaluate Different CFRP Shear Strengthening Strategies for I-Shaped Concrete Cross-Sections.

I-shaped concrete girders are widely used in precast bridge and roof construction, making them a common structural component in existing infrastructure. Despite well-established strengthening techniques using various innovative materials, such as externally bonded carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement, the shear strengthening of an I-shaped concrete girder is not straightforward. Several research studies have shown that externally bonded CFRP reinforcement might exhibit early debonding at the concave corners of the I-shape, resulting in a marginal increase in shear capacity. This research study aims to assess the performance of two different CFRP shear strengthening strategies for I-shaped concrete cross-sections. In the first strategy, CFRP was bonded along the I-shape of the cross-section with the provision of additional anchorage. In the second strategy, the I-shape was transformed into a rectangular shape by using in-fill blocks over which the CFRP was bonded in a U-configuration. In addition to the strengthening strategies, the investigated parameters included two different materials for the in-fill blocks (conventional and aerated concrete) and two different anchoring schemes (bolted steel plate anchor and CFRP spike anchor). To avoid testing on large-scale girders, a new test methodology has been implemented on concrete I-sections. The test results demonstrate the feasibility of comparing different shear strengthening configurations dedicated to I-sections. Among other findings, the results showed that the local transformation of the I-shape to an equivalent rectangular shape could be a viable solution, resulting in shear strength enhancement of 12% to 53% without and with the anchorages, respectively.

Study & Analysis of Diagrid Structures with Conventional Frame Structures

he structure is the backbone of building. Construction of the multi‐storey building is quickly increasing throughout the globe. Advances in construction technology, materials, structural systems, and analysis and design software package expedited the expansion of those buildings. Diagrid buildings square measure rising as structurally economical furthermore as architecturally important assemblies for tall buildings. The diagrid structural system may be outlined as a diagonal member shaped as a framework created by the intersection of various materials like metals, concrete or wood beams that are used in the construction of buildings and roofs. Diagrid structures of the steel members are efficient in providing a solution both in term of strength and stiffness. In my thesis work study the safety and minimum harm level of a structure may well be the prime demand of high-rise buildings. In this thesis Analysis and design of 16 storey diagrid building with plan of 18 m × 18 m size is considered. Key Words: Diagrid building, STAAD-Pro, Storey Drift, Storey Shear

A Sustainable Approach to Reconstruction: Historical Roof Structure Interventions

The reconstruction of structural subassemblies in historic buildings is a widely debated topic that often arises throughout a building’s lifespan. The most vulnerable structures and, consequently, the most frequently modified are roofs, due to the materials used, which render them susceptible to biological decay or fire. This paper aims to analyse roof reconstructions across various historical periods and under different circumstances depending on the necessity for construction or reconstruction. Several exceptional reconstructions from Europe are examined, where the final solution was determined based on sustainability criteria from the construction period. Wood in roof trusses is often replaced with alternative materials such as metal or reinforced concrete. In the case of the Evangelical Church in Bistrița, destroyed by fire for the second time in 2008, the solution of replication using wood was adopted, and the wooden elements were calculated for fire resistance, according to the Eurocodes. Another important aspect to consider when constructing new roofs is the need for protective or temporary roof structures, where sustainability and reusability are fundamental requirements. The principles used to choose the covering method were different depending on the reconstruction period. Three analysis criteria were defined to compare historical solutions with current sustainability principles in the reconstruction and construction of new roofs for existing buildings.

Effect of connection and grouting level on mechanical behavior of pipe roof

ABSTRACT Pipe roof support suffers from engineering defects such as connection and insufficient grouting in tunnel engineering. To analyze the influence of connection and grouting level on the mechanical behavior of pipe roof support during tunnel construction, a series of pure bending tests were conducted to measure the mechanical property of pipe roof, and quantitatively analyze the influence of the connection and grouting level on the bearing capacity and bending stiffness of the pipe roof. In addition, the double shear mechanical analysis model of pipe roof based on the Timoshenko beam theory and the Pasternak elastic foundation theory was established by considering the shear deformation of pipe roof, the supporting effect of surrounding rock of tunnel face and the delayed effect of shotcrete for primary support. Then, the solution methods for pipe roof deflection and internal force were derived based on this model. Based on an engineering case, the deflection and internal force distribution, as well as the effect of connection and grouting levels on the pipe roof were discussed. Corresponding construction suggestions were proposed and had achieved good results in the case. This research can provide reference for the design and construction of pipe roof.

Typology, current state and non-destructive testing of timber roof trusses of historic churches in the West Vistula Delta, Poland

This paper presents the current state of conservation of historic roof churches located in the Żuławy of Gdańsk (Poland). It also describes the architecture of these temples, the region itself and old carpentry techniques for constructing roof trusses. Interdisciplinary tests were carried out in six churches. The geometry of the load bearing structures, the moisture content and the carpentry technique were specified. The field survey also included visual inspections and non-destructive testing of timber structural elements of the roof constructions. The ground penetrating radar and ultrasonic testing methods were used to assess the structure and extent of the damage to the timber elements. The interdisciplinary research presented in this article is important in the planning of historic buildings conservation works and it might be applied to other timber structures.

Multi-Scenario analysis of rooftop greening regulation on runoff effects based on adaptive Evaluation: A case study of Macau, China

The reduction in internal ecological spaces within urban environments and the expansion of impervious surfaces have been identified as factors significantly increasing the susceptibility of cities to flood disasters. Rooftop greening, an essential component of urban stormwater management strategies, offers a versatile solution for augmenting permeable surfaces and delivering ecological services while seamlessly integrating with existing urban infrastructure. This approach has been proven effective in enhancing urban resilience against rainfall-induced flooding events. Hence, the precise identification of suitable building rooftops for green infrastructure within urbanized regions, combined with the simulation of runoff regulation effects brought about by these rooftop greening interventions, holds substantial practical significance. This study innovatively constructs a technical method for measuring the runoff control performance of urban-scale green roofs from identification, evaluation to simulation. Taking the Macao Special Administrative Region as an example, a green roof suitability evaluation index system that is consistent with urban characteristics has been constructed, integrating machine learning, comprehensive evaluation, SWMM simulation methods to evaluate the suitability of roof greening in urban areas and simulate the impact of multi-senarios green roof construction types on runoff regulation. Finally, a comprehensive strategy for rooftop greening construction in Macau is proposed, with the aim of amplifying the runoff regulation capabilities of such initiatives. The main findings of the research include the following: (1) The research area exhibits a notably high aggregate potential for rooftop greening, with suitable rooftop areas comprising approximately 34% of the total rooftop expanse. Notably, construction vintage and roof elevation are identified as the most substantive constraints on rooftop greening. (2) Discernible differences in rooftop greening construction scale exert a significant influence on runoff regulation capacity, with the magnitude of greening positively correlated with its runoff regulation efficacy. Distinct greening typologies elicit varying impacts on runoff regulation, with semi-intensive rooftop greening surpassing extensive approaches in runoff regulation performance. Disparate distribution patterns of rooftop greening engender dissimilar runoff regulation effects, with rooftop greening layouts situated distant from drainage outlets facilitating runoff mitigation, while those in close proximity to drainage outlets enhance peak flow reduction effects.

THE INFLUENCE OF TILT ANGLE ON THE DAILY PROFILE TOTAL ENERGY OF PHOTOVOLTAIC POLYCRYSTAL

This preliminary study aims to determine the daily profile of the power output generated from solar panels, with variations in the house’s roof angles of 15º, 0º, 15º. Tilt angle investigation expects to discover the impact of placing solar panels on the slope of the tile used on the house’s roof. The collecting data of this study was investigated the data of current and voltage every hour that produced by solar panel. Besides, this study also comparing the result of total energy output value for daily profile of solar panel during ten hour per day (start from 7 am to 5 pm). The results show that solar panels with an angle of -15º at 07:00 – 10:00 WIB have higher output voltage and current than other angle variations. At a tilt angle of 0º, the output voltage and current of the solar panel are higher at 11:00-14:00 WIB, while at a tilt angle of 15º in the afternoon. Based on observations, each solar panel with exposure for 10 hours obtained the total energy value for polycrystalline solar panels with a tilt angle of -15º of 258.44 Wh, solar panels with an angle of 0º obtained an energy value of 263.64 Wh, and a tilt angle of 15º obtained energy values 260.69 Wh. The photonic energy emitted for 10 hours is 2097.47 Wh. The energy efficiency value for each polycrystalline solar panel is 12.32% for the angle of -15º, the angle of 0º is 12.57%, and 12.43% for the angle of 15º. In conclusion, variations in the angle of the solar panels have significant effect on the voltage, current, and energy generated from polycrystalline solar panels in every hour. However, based on the data result the total energy exposure and the efficiency value for each variation angle has no significant different. Pyramid-shaped house roof construction has the advantage of increasing the value of the cross-sectional area of the tile, which has the opportunity to install wider-sized solar panels so that a greater value of electrical energy is obtained.

Effect of magnetic induction intensity and steel fiber rate on strength improvement of cementitious filling composites

The underhand cut-fill backfill mining manner (UCFBMM) is widely employed in nonferrous metallic mines, and stability of the artificial backfill top plate directly determines the safety of operators and equipment, which puts forward higher requirements on fill’s bending properties. The purpose of the current research is to advance steel-fiber reinforced cemented tailings backfills’ (SFCTBs’) mechanical features by employing steel fibers. 17 groups of specimens were prepared by considering the effects of diverse steel fiber doping and magnetic induction strength on SFCTB’s bending properties. Steel fiber reinforced SFCTB’s bending evolution was studied by utilizing three-point bending tests, SEM interpretations, and X-ray computed tomography. Lab findings exhibited that directional distribution of steel fibers was effective in increasing SFCTB’s flexural strength, and the flexural strength was positively correlated with fiber doping and magnetic induction strength. The presence of steel fibers and their directional distribution well inhibited crack development, and thus the crack resistance and toughness of SFCTBs, enabling them to bear greater tensile force. The unadulterated steel fiber reinforced SFCTBs showed sudden fracture when reaching the peak load, while the steel fiber adducted SFCTB specimens showed the characteristics of good ductility. Due to gravity and magnetism, steel fibers were distributed at the bottom of SFCTBs and showed a directional distribution along the length of the specimens. Besides, SFCTBs produced further CSH-gels and Aft in process of hydration. The overall outcomes of the current study could run an academic guide to construction of artificial backfilling roofs in UCFBMM in terms of cost and operational stages.

Structural performance and fragility assessment of elevated residential buildings during 2017–2018 hurricanes in Texas and Florida

Elevating coastal houses on columns or piles is recognized as an effective technique for reducing the risks of flooding and storm surges. However, recent hurricanes have exposed a potential vulnerability in this approach, as many elevated residential structures sustained significant wind damage even at wind speeds below the current design level. Elevating a structure increases its exposure to stronger winds and leads to potential changes in the wind effects due to the air gap beneath the floor. However, there has been limited research comparing the performance of actual constructed elevated and slab-on-grade residential structures during realistic wind events. To fill this gap, authors utilized publicly available building performance datasets, collected by the Structural Extreme Events Reconnaissance (StEER) Network and others, to extract data on the performance of 851 elevated and 1536 slab-on-grade residential houses impacted by Hurricanes Irma, Harvey, and Michael. Effects of several key parameters were analyzed in terms of the intensity and distribution of the damage experienced by the different components. Furthermore, empirical fragility functions were developed for different roof shapes and cladding materials by combining the estimated wind speed that affected each structure and the assigned damage ratios for the roof and wall claddings. Analysis using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the median wind speeds of various damage states of the components in both elevated and slab-on-grade houses. Additionally, a significant difference was observed in Texas slab-on-grade houses which experienced either no, minor, moderate, or severe damage, compared to their Florida counterparts. Results showed that elevated houses experience more damage than their slab-on-grade counterparts regardless of the roof shape, cladding materials, and construction age. Additionally, results showed that the elevated houses built in Texas exhibit the highest level of vulnerability among the various housing groups studied. Specifically, the percentage of elevated houses in Texas that experienced destroyed damage state surpassed those of slab-on-grade houses in Texas and elevated houses in Florida by 343 % and 166 %, respectively. The paper identified several knowledge gaps, and it emphasized the need for further experimental tests of building components and different building geometries to improve existing risk models.

Comparative study on numerical simulation of temperature field of farm house with different roof forms

In recent years, the issue of energy consumption in farm buildings has received much attention. The roofs of farm buildings in Northwest China have a variety of roof forms. This paper presents the implementation of first fully confirmed the indoor thermal environment of different roof construction was significantly effected by periodic thermogenesis. In order to determine the indoor temperature distribution of the farmhouse in summer in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, we provided the heat transfer coefficient data of the farmhouse envelope, also detailed in the manuscript. Model of Thermal Mass Transport enables fast and accurately simulates the indoor temperature distribution of farmhouses with different roof forms on the same day, taking into account the climate zone of the region. This is despite the phase delay time of indoor temperatures for different roof forms caused by periodic initial temperature boundaries ranged from 1.55 to 2.78h\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ ext{h}$$\\end{document}, and the phase delay angle ranged from 23.25∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^{\\circ }$$\\end{document} to 41.7∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^{\\circ }$$\\end{document}. Extensive simulated results revealed individual variability in the role of roof form, demonstrating indoor temperatures in farmhouses corresponding to different climatic zones. In addition, by analyzing and discussing the indoor temperature phase delay angle and delay time for each type of roof forms, statistical results identified the advantages of Non-equal-sloped roof as a local farmhouse roof.

«Green» structures in the urbanized environment: studying the impact of «green» roofs on environmental parameters and rainwater quality. Bibliographic review

A quantitative analysis of the most cited articles published in the Scopus scientometric database by 2023 is carried out. It is shown that most of the publications, the object of study of which are "green" structures, focus on the study of "green" roofs. It is shown that since 1981, the number of studies on green roofs has been steadily increasing: approximately 45% of articles focus on the benefits in terms of thermal impact and thermal insulation, 18% on rainwater drainage, 15% on air quality, 5% on the noise-absorbing properties of green roofs, and 17% on the costs of building and operating green roofs, recreational facilities, fire protection, and other related issues. The requirements and commonly used materials for a standard green roof are described, as well as the percentage of scientific publications, depending on the functions and layers of green roof construction involved. An analysis of the most cited scientific studies on the impact of green roof systems on wastewater quality was conducted. It is shown that the results of the studies presented in these publications indicate the need for further study of the impact of a "green" roof on the amount of pollution in the water flowing from its surface. It is emphasized that further research should focus on the structural layers of the roof (thickness and materials used), namely the thickness and types of substrate layers, as well as on the conditions of plant care (e.g., fertilization), especially on intensive green roofs. In addition, it should be studied and analyzed how the retention of rainwater by plants and the soil layer of a green roof affects the relative humidity of the air near the building during periods without rain. The most cited scientific studies on the reduction of air pollutants by means of green roofs are analyzed. It is concluded that future research should focus on the study of plant species that are well adapted to growing on roofs (in temperate climates) and most effectively carry out the process of photosynthesis, absorbing CO2 and releasing O2 into the atmosphere around the building. The article analyzes the most cited scientific publications on the noise-absorbing properties of green roofs. It is substantiated that it is necessary to maximize the percentage of green roofs implementation on all buildings and structures in the city so that green roofs can significantly affect the quality of the environment in urbanized areas.

Estimation of possible locations for green roofs and bioswales and analysis of the effect of their implementation on stormwater runoff control

IntroductionThe objectives of this study are twofold. The first is to identify potential green infrastructure construction sites by building rooftops and sidewalks. The second is to analyze internal flooding for a wide range of drainage areas and to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of stormwater runoff control.MethodsThe target area has approximately 600 ha with a runoff coefficient of 0.71. Using Arc GIS Desktop 10.8.1, this study has identified green roofs and bioswales that would be highly beneficial in capturing large amounts of rainfall. In addition, Info Works ICM was used for the inundation analysis, which can simultaneously calculate the flow in sewer pipelines and above-ground inundation flow. Runoff coefficients were calculated for each land use using the urban land use subdivision mesh data with 100 m unit. This study targeted a 10-year probability rainfall (total rainfall: 86.3 mm, maximum hourly rainfall: 52.3 mm/h, duration: 3 h) with a middle concentrated rainfall waveform obtained from past experiments in the d4PDF database of ensemble climate prediction contributing to global warming.ResultsThe amount of land availability for green roofs and bioswales was about 1 and 0.1% of the drainage area, respectively. The runoff coefficients for green roofs only, bioswales only, with and without introduction of both green roofs and bioswales were 70.34, 70.87, 70.28, and 70.93%, respectively. The difference in runoff coefficients was about 0.65 percentage points even when both were constructed. As a result of inundation analysis, the reduction was 2.5% for the maximum waterlogged area, 1.5% for the flooded area, and 0.7% for the average depth of waterlogging divided by the maximum waterlogged area. The construction of green roofs and bioswales in the same area or downstream of the area shows little mitigation effect when flooding occurs in an area near the downstream end of the sewer network.DiscussionAlthough this study has mainly discussed the stormwater runoff control aspect, the most important feature of green infrastructure is its multifunctionality. In terms of utilizing and promoting green infrastructure, it is important to visualize its multifaceted effects and share them with many stakeholders.

Simulation Analysis of Steel Structure Construction of the Main Building Roof of Zhuhai Airport Terminal II

Simulation Analysis of Steel Structure Construction of the Main Building Roof of Zhuhai Airport Terminal II

Active Green Constructions and Their Impact on Gray Infrastructure

Addressing climate change necessitates a conscious transition toward sustainable infrastructure solutions. Our vision involved transforming an experimental area into the University Experimental Center. This experimental building serves as a model for gray infrastructure implementation, taking into account its dimensions, layout, flooring, and material composition. Our study aims to compare the retention capacities of various types of vegetated roofs, as determined by different legislations. The findings indicate that the outcomes vary based on the regulations used. This variation subsequently influences the design of associated infrastructures, such as rainwater drainage systems, and the design of stressed structures. This is due to the impact of water quantity on the thermal response of a stressed structure. The water used to irrigate the vegetation layer, along with the water retained by the upper roof, has a positive impact on both the building and its surroundings. Initially, the system comprised two functional components: vegetated roofs and a reference roof. The integrated experimental roof shell, in conjunction with the frame, forms an autonomous system. This system serves as a segment for quantifying water retention, humidity, and temperature across diverse green infrastructure substrates. We analyzed the thermal response of experimental roof constructions and monitored the influence of water and precipitation. Our results indicate that the height of the substrate affects not only the retention capacity but also the thermal response of the vegetated roof.

The reduction of the energy demand of a hall-type object through vegetative roof constructions

The topic of the energy efficiency of buildings is still relevant, and this article focuses on one form of passively reducing their energy demands, in this case, for a hall-type structure. Hall-type structures are largely horizontal constructions, meaning that their length and width often significantly exceed their height. As a result, a larger cooled surface area of the roof is expected in comparison to the cooled surface area of the facade. While not the sole factor influencing the selection of a structure or balance calculations, it was one of the initial considerations. It is also anticipated that with a larger construction area and its opening structures, there will be a greater area available for covering with a green roof. The coverage of the building's energy facilities occupy a certain percentage of the roof construction area. The work then delves into the energy balances of the given structure under various operational conditions, based on measurements of the thermal-technical improvement of the construction, depending on its composition and coverage with a green structure. The results include balance-based energy savings achieved through the green element, as well as the percentage savings in different operational conditions.

Technological Installation Drawings of Roof Construction and Suspended Ceilings Using Combined Method

The article describes various installation schemes for roofing structures and suspended ceilings using combined method for industrial buildings. The article inspects three installation options for assembling building elements: transversal motion of the crane across spans, working motion of the crane across the spans with idle returns, and installation spanwise. The advantages and disadvantages of each mounting option are also discussed. The article describes in detail methods of installing structural elements of a building, which allows the work to be completed with minimal labor costs. Schemes for installing coating structures and suspended ceilings using combined method are also considered.

Native Forbs Grown Under Green Roof Conditions Have Altered Biomass Allocation Strategies and Can be Supported by Commercially-Available Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

Nature-based solutions like green roofs can help sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby alleviating some of the negative consequences of global warming. Because plants on extensive green roofs typically have short stature and lower biomass than individuals growing on the ground, they are often overlooked in calculations of urban carbon sequestration. However, plants grown on environmentally stressful green roofs may be using alternative physiological strategies, allocating more resources like carbon to below-ground structures than they would be if grown in similar ground-level conditions. Furthermore, overall forb growth and biomass accumulation could be enhanced if plants are grown in the presence of symbiotic fungi that helps obtain water and nutrients. In this experiment, we grew ten native prairie forbs in simulated green roof and ground-level environments to test the hypotheses that plants on green roofs allocate more biomass to below-ground structures in order to overcome stressful environmental conditions and are aided by symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). We found that commercially available AMF provided significant benefits to some plant species and that plants grown in green roof conditions did in fact allocate more resources below ground compared to their ground-level counterparts. Our results suggest that the ability of green roofs to play a part in sequestering atmospheric carbon via biomass allocation is being largely overlooked and that this contribution to an important ecosystem service should be considered when advocating for increased green roof construction globally.