Experimental Study on Aerodynamic Forces of a Suspended Arch Roof

With the development of building materials, construction technology, and design concepts, suspended arched roofs (SARs) are becoming increasingly popular. The wind loads of arched roofs springing from ground level (ARSGL) and vaulted roofs on side walls (VRSW) have already been studied; however, the wind loads of SARs, which are very different from those of ARSGL or VRSW, have not received adequate attention. Based on the wind tunnel tests of a rigid model of an actual SAR design scheme, the mean value, root mean square (RMS) value, and most unfavorable value of the wind pressure coefficient and overall lift coefficient of this type of roof are analyzed. Furthermore, the influence of the buildings below or surrounding it is investigated and discussed. The test results indicate that the net wind pressure of the SAR is affected by the upper- and lower-surface wind pressures. Both the most unfavorable wind pressure (positive pressure) and suction (negative pressure) coefficients of the SAR are larger near the edge (arch foot) and smaller in the internal area. The maximum values of the most unfavorable pressure and suction coefficients of the tested SAR are 4.5 and 8.0, respectively, and these values are larger than those of ARSGL and VRSW. The buildings below cause airflow congestion under the SAR and eventually increase the net pressure coefficients near the windward edge of the SAR. The shielding effects of the surrounding buildings of the tested SAR reduce the wind pressure coefficient; however, the wind pressure in some areas of the tested SAR increases because of the narrow tube effects between surrounding buildings. The lift coefficient of the tested SAR significantly increases because of the presence of buildings below in some cases.