Wind induced pressures on a large low-sloped gable roof building with parapet

Abstract

This paper experimentally investigates how parapets with varying heights can alter the flow pattern around a large aspect-ratio low-sloped gable roof building. We examine the benefits and challenges of existing methods and utilize an open-jet wind test section, to accurately simulate real-world atmospheric boundary layer conditions. A model of a low-rise building was fitted with solid parapets of varying heights and tested in a comparative study to understand their impact on roof pressures. The study compares the standard approach to the experimental results and suggests improvements to wind zones and pressure coefficients. The parapet of fourteen percent of the building height is the most efficient at reducing mean, peak, and area-averaged wind loads compared to other sizes. However, the standard provisions underestimate roof pressures for components and cladding design.

KEYWORDS:

• Turbulence
• aerodynamics
• parapet
• low-rise buildings
• open-jet testing
• wind loads

Acknowledgments

The first author would like to acknowledge the funding support for this research by the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA). Thanks to Dr. Lee Shoemaker and his team for their support and feedback. Additionally, financial support from the Louisiana Board of Regents (ITRS, LEQSF(2022-25)-RD-B-02; RCS, LEQSF(2021-22)-RD-A-30), and the LSU NSF I-Corps is acknowledged. However, the findings are those of the authors, not the opinion of the sponsoring entities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).