Wind tunnel study on the influence of different parapets on the roof pressure distribution of low-rise buildings

High suction loads appear on roofs of low-height buildings. The use of parapets with appropriate height at the roof edges alleviates these loads. The performance of six parapet configurations to decrease the suction loads induced on roofs by oblique winds has been studied in a low speed wind tunnel. The studied parapet configurations include vertical wall parapets, either solid or porous, and cantilevered parapets formed by a small horizontal roof close to the building roof. Low-height parapets with a medium porosity and cantilevered parapets are more efficient than solid parapets to reduce the wind suctions generated on the roofs by conical vortices.

A parametric, experimental analysis of conical vortices on curved roofs of low-rise buildings

Different methods to reduce the high suction caused by conical vortices have been reported in the literature: vertical parapets, either solid or porous, placed at the roof edges being the most analysed configuration. Another method for alleviating the high suction peaks due to conical vortices is the use of some non-standard parapet configuration like cantilever parapets. In this paper the influence of roof curvature on the conical vortex pattern appearing on a curved roof (Fig. 1) when subject to oblique winds is experimentally analysed by testing the mean pressure distribution on the curved roofs of low-rise building models in a wind tunnel. Also, the efficiency of cantilever parapets to reduce mean suction loads on curved roofs is experimentally checked. Very high suction loads have been measured on curved roofs, the magnitude of these high suction loads being significantly decreased when cantilever parapets are used. Thus, the suitability of these parapets to reduce wind pressure loads on curved roofs is demonstrated.

Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences.

no. 99 (1972)

Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences.

no. 62 (1967)

Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences.

no. 107 (1973)

Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences.

no. 110 (1974)

Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences.

no. 34 (1962)

Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences.

no. 113 (1974)

Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences.

no. 52 (1966)

Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences.

no. 108 (1974)

Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences.

no. 104 (1973)

Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences.

no. 139 (1985)

Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences.

no. 33 (1961)

Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

v. 35 (1899-1900)

Occasional papers of the California Academy of Sciences.

no. 112 (1974)