Numerical and physical modeling of wind loads on long-span shell structures

Introduction. Wind load has a significant impact on buildings and structures. It triggers the evolution of the stress-strain state that causes various kinds of deformations. Requirements, applicable to the serviceability limit state, are important for the construction of long-span structures. In some cases, the analysis of the distribution of wind effects over the surface of a construction facility may be a challenging task. The purpose of the study is to identify the pattern of the wind load distribution over the shell of a long-span structure using physical and numerical methods, compare and analyze the obtained results. Materials and methods. In the course of the study, a model of the shell structure was tested in the wind tunnel in the course of the physical testing. The model was made of polymer materials using the 3D printing technology. In addition, the article addresses the procedure for conducting full-scale tests in a wind tunnel. Numerical modeling was performed using various software and numerical software packages, such as Ansys CFX, SOLIDWORKS. Results. The article presents the results of physical tests conducted in a wind tunnel, demonstrates the tables that have the values of aerodynamic coefficients and wind pressures, on the basis of which colour pressure isofields are made. Also, the article presents the results of iterative calculations of numerical models made using various software and numerical software packages. In addition, wind flow distributions were analyzed, since the object of the study has such a characteristic feature as an open-air shell, which allows the air flow to reach the structure from below. Conclusions. The authors analyzed the data obtained as a result of the research; the convergence between the results of physical tests and numerical modeling in Ansys CFX was identified, a great discrepancy between numerical and physical studies was identified as a result of the application of other software packages. When designing buildings and structures, having intricate geometric shape, both physical and numerical modeling should be conducted.