The effect of non-Gaussian local wind loads on structural responses of long-span domed roofs

Abstract

Wind tunnel experiments for several domed roofs were carried out in the boundary layer wind tunnel at Tongji University. Experimental research in this paper shows that the non- Gaussian feature of wind pressures exists in the front and wake flow area. In order to study the effect of non-Gaussian feature of wind loading on structural responses, nodal displacements, element stresses and reaction forces under wind loads with and without the consideration of non-Gaussian nature are compared. The multiple variables wind pressure field with Gaussian nature were simulated bases upon the spectral representation method by superposition waves with target spectrum feature and spatial correlation from wind tunnel tests. It is shown that the local non-Gaussian feature of wind pressure fluctuations will produce influence on the structural response of elements and nodal displacements near non-Gaussian regions under the influence of vortices.