Optimized Aerodynamic Shapes for Large-span Spatial Roof Structures

Large-span spatial roof structures often have the characteristics of lighter weight, more flexibility, lower fundamental frequency and denser natural frequency distribution, and they usually locate in near-earth region of atmospheric boundary layer which is known for high turbulence. Therefore, this kind of structures is sensitive to wind load due to their shape, shape ratios and architectural details. Most of previous studies just focused on how to make sure that the structures could resist the corresponding wind loads by using the strength capacity of the structure itself. In this paper, optimized aerodynamic shapes of typical spatial roof structures through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis were carried out to understand what kind of shape ratios and architectural details of typical spatial roof structures is friendly for wind loading action. For this purpose, geometric parameters commonly used in practical engineering, widely-used architectural details and designed local configuration and devices of the typical spatial roof shapes, such as spherical shells, cylindrical shells, saddle-shaped shells, cantilever roofs, etc., were widely investigated. Finally, optimized aerodynamic shapes for large-span spatial roof structures were summarized from the structural engineer’s point of view.