Wind Loads for Designing the Main Wind-Force Resisting Systems of Cylindrical Free-Standing Canopy Roofs

Wind loads on cylindrical free-standing canopy roofs were investigated in a wind tunnel. First, the overall aerodynamic forces and moments were measured using a force balance. The distributions of net wind pressures provided by the difference between wind pressures on the top and bottom surfaces of the roof were then measured along two representative arc lines. Based on the results, the net wind-pressure coefficients for designing such roofs are proposed as a function of the rise-to-span ratio for two representative wind directions: one perpendicular to the eaves, the other inclined at an angle of 45° to the eaves. The roof is divided into three zones and constant net wind-pressure coefficients are specified for these zones. Two load cases providing the maximum tension and compression in the columns supporting the roof are considered as the most important load effect for discussing the design wind loads.