Numerical analysis of pressure field on curved self-weighted metallic roofs due to the wind effect by the finite element method

In this paper, an evaluation of distribution of the air pressure is determined throughout the curved and open self-weighted metallic roof due to the wind effect by the finite element method (FEM) [K. Bathe, Finite Element Procedures, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New York, 1996]. Data from experimental tests carried out in a wind tunnel involving a reduced scale model of a roof was used for comparison. The nonlinearity is due to time-averaged Navier-Stokes equations [C.A.J. Fletcher, Computational Techniques for Fluid Dynamics, Springer, Berlin, 1991] that govern the turbulent flow. The calculation has been carried out keeping in mind the possibility of turbulent flow in the vicinities of the walls, and speeds of wind have been analyzed between 30 and 40m/s. Finally, the forces and moments are determined on the cover, as well as the distribution of pressures on the same one, comparing the results obtained with the Spanish and European Standards rules, giving place to the conclusions that are exposed in the study. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.