Abstract
The present paper investigates the collapse process of pipe-framed greenhouses under static wind loading based on a fi nite element analysis in order to establish more reasonable wind resistant design of these structures. The wind direction is limited to that normal to the ridge. In the analyses, both geometric and material non-linearity are taken into account. The fl ow-structural interaction is also considered, because the wind-induced deformation of the structure affects the external pressure coeffi cient distribution on it signifi cantly. Both 2-D and 3-D analyses are carried out. The effects of 3-D pressure distribution and reinforcement by adding members on the collapse process are made clear. The result on the collapse process is consistent with the practical damage caused by strong winds such as typhoons. The effects of various reinforcements made on the frame are discussed based on the similar analyses up to the allowable deformation limit specifi ed in the current design guideline. The results show the most effective reinforcement from the viewpoint of wind resistant design.
