Wind Pressure Distribution on Low-Rise Buildings with 3-Span North-Light Roofs
Author : Astha Verma
Abstract :
Buildings with a low-rise profile typically consist of one to three floors, commonly situated in residential and suburban locales. These structures provide a more close-knit and community-oriented living environment. Often employing traditional materials and construction methods, low-rise buildings seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings. North Light, characterized by sunlight received through north-facing windows, maintains a consistent angle and color throughout the day as it avoids direct exposure to the sun. This phenomenon results in subdued shadows and a cooler ambiance compared to direct sunlight, owing to the scattering of light by the Earth's atmosphere through Rayleigh scattering. In the realm of construction, low-rise structures, including industrial and factory buildings, are prevalent. Notably, the susceptibility of these constructions to extreme winds has become increasingly apparent. These structures showcase diverse roof forms, such as flat roofs, gable roofs, and hip roofs with various geometric shapes. Wind flow characteristics exhibit significant variations among different roof designs. However, existing codal information often remains limited, typically addressing single-span configurations and specific wind angles. Unfortunately, many codal provisions lack comprehensive data for a broader spectrum of roof forms. To bridge this informational gap, the current research delves into detailed experimental studies focused on 3-span north-light roofs under diverse wind incidence angles. The experiments utilize an open-circuit boundary layer wind tunnel, with models constructed from Perspex sheets. The research yields valuable insights for designers involved in the planning of buildings with diverse roof forms. The results, presented through contour plots of mean pressure coefficients, furnish practical and applicable information for designing and constructing buildings featuring different roof geometries.
Keywords :
Wind pressure coefficients, north-light, saw-tooth, wind angle of attack, boundary layer flow, pressure points, Perspex sheet, open circuit wind tunnel
