Wind Load Analysis on Low-Rise Structures

Wind load analysis on low-rise structures encompasses the assessment of external and internal pressures induced by atmospheric flows on buildings up to approximately two storeys high. Such analysis evaluates both mean and fluctuating forces arising from turbulent boundary layer characteristics, gust fronts and vortex formation around roof edges and parapets. Experimental approaches commonly employ boundary layer wind tunnels with scaled models, where parameters such as Reynolds number and terrain roughness are adjusted to replicate full-scale conditions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become increasingly sophisticated, enabling optimisation of roof geometries and mitigation devices such as porous parapets. The interplay between conical vortices, separation bubbles and reattachment zones dictates peak pressure coefficients that influence cladding design and structural connections. Full-scale field measurements and advanced instrumentation, including arrays of sonic anemometers and pressure transducers, complement model tests by validating quasi-steady and unsteady theories. The integration of wind load data into design codes worldwide ensures resilience against storms, reduces material overuse and informs retrofit strategies for both residential and industrial low-rise buildings.

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Research from all publishers

Recent experimental work has examined the impact of geometric scaling ratios on pressure prediction in wind tunnels, revealing that larger scale models better capture turbulent structures but may underpredict peak pressures in flow‐separation regions. Investigations into parapet configurations on large industrial low-rise buildings demonstrate that optimally sized solid parapets can shorten separation bubbles and reduce mean and peak roof pressures by up to 20 % under straight-line wind conditions. Numerical studies coupling optimisation algorithms with CFD have established that porous parapets with 40 – 50 % porosity yield the greatest reduction in corner suctions at low relative heights, whereas solid parapets outperform porous types beyond certain height-to-roof ratios. These diverse methodologies underscore the value of combining wind tunnel testing, field measurements and numerical optimisation to enhance aerodynamic mitigation and refine design guidelines.

Wind Load Analysis on Low-Rise Structures publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in wind load analysis on low-rise structures across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Atmospheric boundary layer: The lowest part of the atmosphere where wind speed and turbulence are influenced by surface roughness and thermal stratification.

Reynolds number: A dimensionless parameter expressing the ratio of inertial to viscous forces in a flow, critical for ensuring dynamic similitude between model and prototype.

Scaling ratio: The proportion between model dimensions and full-scale dimensions used in wind tunnel tests to replicate aerodynamic effects.

Pressure coefficient: A dimensionless value representing the local pressure relative to a reference wind pressure, used to compare forces across different geometries.

Separation bubble: A region of reversed flow and recirculation that forms on a roof surface when the boundary layer detaches from the edge, influencing peak loading.

References

1. Scaling effects on experimentally obtained pressures on an idealized building: Possible implications towards asbestos containment. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics (2023).
2. Estimation of Wind-Induced Pressures on a Low-Rise Building Using Quasi-Steady Theory. Frontiers in Built Environment (2016).
3. Experimental and Theoretical Study of Internal Pressure Loads on Boundary Walls under Gusty Wind Conditions. International Journal of Aerospace Engineering (2022).
4. A New Research Scheme for Full-Scale/Model Test Comparisons to Validate the Traditional Wind Tunnel Pressure Measurement Technique. Applied Sciences (2022).
5. Numerical Simulation and Optimization of Wind Effects of Porous Parapets on Low‐Rise Buildings with Flat Roofs. Advances in Civil Engineering (2019).
6. Experimental investigation of the aerodynamics of a large industrial building with parapet. Advances in Aerodynamics (2021).