Fluid-structure interaction of a tensile fabric structure subjected to different wind speeds

Despite the current technologic developments, failures in existent tensile fabric structures (TFS) subjected to wind do happen. However, design pressure coefficients are only obtained for large projects. Moreover, studies on TFSs with realistic supporting frames, comparing static and dynamic analyses and discussing the design implications, are lacking. In this study, fluid-Structure analyses of a TFS supported by masts and inclined cables, by subjecting it to different wind speeds, are carried out, to gain more understanding in the above-referred aspects. Wind-induced stresses in the fabric and axial forces in masts and cables are assessed for a hypar by using computational fluid dynamics. Comparisons are carried out versus an equivalent static analysis and also versus loadings deemed representative for design. The procedure includes the so-called form-finding, a finite element formulation for the TFS and the fluid formulation. The selected structure is deemed realistic, since the supporting frame is included and the shape and geometry of the TFS are not uncommon. It is found that by carrying out an equivalent static analysis with the determined pressure coefficients, differences of up to 24% for stresses in the fabric, 5.4% for the compressive force in the masts and 21% for the tensile force in the cables are found with respect to results of the dynamic analysis. If wind loads commonly considered for design are used, significant differences are also found, specially for the reactions at the supporting frame. The results in this study can be used as an aid by designers and researchers.