Component testing and finite element modeling of standing seam roofs

Standing seam roofs have been proven to be an excellent watertight, economic and high performance roofing system. However, this system is sensitive to uplift wind pressure due to weak seam-clip connections. This study is part of an extensive research program carried out to understand the uplift behavior of standing seam roofs and to suggest ways to improve design details of the system typically employed in industry. A three-dimensional finite element model that simulates a full-scale standing seam roof previously tested at Mississippi State University (MSU) USA has been developed. The roof panel was modeled using thin shell elements while the supporting purlins were simulated using beam elements. Due to the complexity of the seam and the clip details, these components were represented in the numerical model as equivalent springs. An experimental program was conducted to characterize the properties of these springs and results were reported in this study. The equivalent spring systems were then incorporated into the finite element model that was then analyzed under the effect of an uplift pressure. The numerical model was validated by comparing its results to those obtained from the full-scale test conducted at MSU. The study concluded by ascertaining the structural behavior of the standing seam roof under the effect of uplift pressure.