Constrained Least-Squares Method for Computing Equivalent Static Wind Loads of Large-Span Roofs

Abstract

Equivalent static wind loads (ESWL) are widely used by structural designers to determine a specific response of large-scale structures. However, structural designers usually pay attention to more responses. Thus, this study proposes a constrained least-squares method to compute the ESWL distribution that can simultaneously target multi-responses. The loading distribution is regarded as a linear combination of basic load distributions. Two forms of basic load distribution are presented herein. The magnitude range of ESWLs is limited by controlling the bounds of the participation factor, which can be regarded as a constrained linear least-squares problem. Furthermore, since only a few structural responses are usually emphasized by structural designers, weighting factor is imported to improve the accuracy of these focused responses. To verify its computational accuracy, the method is applied to a real large-span roof structure. The results of calculations show that a reasonable magnitude of ESWL distribution can be achieved. There seems to always be a balance between the number of targeted responses and computational accuracy.