Numerical simulation study on wind pressure coefficient of variable cross-section arched roof

Arched roof is widely used because of its efficient aerodynamic shape. The rise height (F) of the common arched roof does not change. However, arched roof with variable cross-section gradually appears in the design of various large-scale venues, and there is little research on such roof. Therefore, this paper takes the variable cross-section arched roof as the research object, analyzes the factors that affect the roof through numerical simulation in order to obtaining its wind pressure coefficient (CP) and distribution pattern. The numerical simulation results show that under 3 wind directions of 0°, 45°, and 90°, the windward side of the roof is subjected to severe suction and the CP changes significantly as the rise height to span (F/D) ratio increases. The CP along the roof continues to decreases and the middle of the roof will be subjected to maximum suction when H/D<0.3; When H/D≥0.5, the CP shows an upward trend and the suction on the middle of the roof decreases. As for length to span ratio, the roof CP is less affected by changes in the ratio when L/D≤2; while the CP is more significantly influenced when L/D≥4. To summary, it should pay attention to the edges of the roof and the highest area of rise height when designing and maintaining them for their safety. Besides, the influence of the model size effect should also be adequately addressed.