Experimental study of pressure distribution on semi-circular greenhouses

This study uses wind tunnel experiments to investigate the pressure distribution and wind load of semi-circular greenhouses. The instantaneous pressures on the surface of �the greenhouse are measured by a multi-channel pressure scanner under different wind directions and arrangements. The experimental results showed that when the time-averaged pressure coefficient of oblique wind (wind direction 22.5°) is larger than that of wind direction normal to the ridge line (wind direction 0°). In addition, the peak pressure is several times larger than the time-average pressure, and the gust effect factor suggested by the Wind Resistance Design Code of Taiwan is not sufficient to protect the semi-circular greenhouses against the peak pressure caused by the turbulent wind. The results of this study not only facilitate a better understanding of the peak pressure around circular-bodies, but also to provide the needed information for the structural design of the arch-roof greenhouses.