Aerodynamic studies for standardized pressure maps on double-curved freestanding membrane roof canopies

The fast construction and material efficiency of lightweight textile structures makes them an ideal solution for a wide range of situations, from building roofs to provisional or permanent structures in public spaces. However, their lightness also makes them vulnerable to wind loads. Despite the increasing usage of such structures, there is still a lack of standardized wind loading to consider for their design, being necessary to assess specific geometries case by case. This study investigates five representative shapes (hypar, tent, barrel, upward umbrella, and inverted umbrella), in an effort towards a standardized guide to design membrane roof canopies subjected to wind actions. Our project makes use of an extensive numerical campaign employing a formulation of the flow based on the finite element method, implying a large eddy simulation approach for modelling turbulence. The respective shapes are assumed to be completely rigid and are tested as freestanding structures. Additionally, an atmospheric boundary layer wind condition for an open-type terrain is assumed. We provide mean pressure and standard deviation maps of the pressure coefficient for the baselines shapes, as well as highlight deviations due to changes in aspect ratio or configuration.     «

The fast construction and material efficiency of lightweight textile structures makes them an ideal solution for a wide range of situations, from building roofs to provisional or permanent structures in public spaces. However, their lightness also makes them vulnerable to wind loads. Despite the increasing usage of such structures, there is still a lack of standardized wind loading to consider for their design, being necessary to assess specific geometries case by case. This study investigates f...     »