Experimental Study of Wind Loads on Domed Free Roofs

Design wind loads on domed free roofs have been investigated in a wind tunnel. Wind pressure distributions both on the top and bottom surfaces of the roof models were measured. The rise-to-span ratio, f/D, was varied from 0.1 to 0.4. First, the effect of the Reynolds number on the pressure distribution is examined. Then, the effects of f/D on the wind pressures and forces are made clear. The wind force coefficients for designing the main wind force resisting systems are proposed, in which focus is on the axial forces induced in the columns supporting the roof as the most important load effect, assuming that the roof is rigid and supported by four columns. Finally, the peak wind force coefficients for the design of cladding/components are proposed based on the maximum and minimum peak wind force coefficients irrespective of wind direction.