Wind-Induced Response Characteristics and Equivalent Static Wind-Resistant Design Method of Spherical Inflatable Membrane Structures

Abstract

The wind-induced responses and wind-resistant design method of spherical inflatable membrane structures are presented in this paper. Based on the wind pressure data obtained from wind tunnel experiments, the characteristics of wind-induced responses are studied via nonlinear dynamic time–history analysis, considering the influences of spans, rise–span ratios, internal pressures, wind velocities, and cable configurations. The results show that with the increment of wind velocity, the position of the maximum displacement changes from the top to the windward region, which usually leads to the exceedance of the displacement limitation. Under high wind velocity, enhancing the internal pressure can effectively reduce deflection. However, the membrane stress will also increase. Particular attention should be paid to checking the strength. The restraint effect of cross cables on wind-induced response is better than radial cables. Furthermore, an equivalent static analysis method for the wind-resistant design of spherical inflatable membrane structures is developed. The empirical formulas and recommendation values of gust response factors and nonlinear adjustment factors are provided for engineering reference.