Mean wind pressures on arched-roof buildings by computation

Abstract The calculation of mean pressure coefficients for buildings with various arched-roof configurations is described. The time-averaged equations of fluid motion in three dimensions are solved, with the effect of turbulence incorporated through the k-e turbulence model. The geometric variables that affect the wind pressures on arched-roof buildings are the span, the rise, the length along the axis of the arch, and the height of the vertical walls below the arch. The computed mean pressure coefficients increase as the length/span ratio increases when the approach wind direction is normal to the axis of the arch. The pressure coefficients on the roof become more positive as the rise/span ration increases.