Nonlinear Aerodynamic Response and an Equivalent Static Wind-resistant Design for Anticlastic Conical Tensile Membranes
Ajay Kumar, Budhaditya De, Sudib Kumar Mishra, Devasmit Dutta
TL;DR
The paper investigates the nonlinear aerodynamic response of an anticlastic conical Tensile Membrane Structure under stochastic wind using LES‑generated loads and nonlinear time‑domain analysis for open and facade‑shielded configurations. It demonstrates how increasing membrane prestress $N_0$ and rise‑to‑span ratio $f/L$ stiffen the structure, while higher ground roughness $z_0$ augments peak loading; open configurations show larger responses than closed ones. To facilitate practical design, the authors formulate an equivalent static wind design based on Gust Response Factors (GRFs) and Nonlinear Adjustment Factors (NAFs), and fit multi‑linear regression models to predict peak responses under varying $f/L$, $N_0$, and $z_0$, with a probabilistic assessment to derive 95th percentile design values. The work provides a framework to translate complex nonlinear aeroelastic behavior into actionable design tools, enabling robust and economical wind resistant design of TMS, and suggests future validation via wind tunnel or full FSI studies. The key contribution lies in integrating LES‑driven pressures, nonlinear membrane response, and a regression‑based static design methodology tailored to anticlastic conical TMS with mixed cable supports.
Abstract
Conical Tensile Membrane Structure (TMS) is commonly used for aesthetics, economic design, high rain and snow loading. Such TMS shows complex aerodynamic behavior in presence of geometric nonlinearity, not adequately studied in the past. The aerodynamic responses of anticlastic conical TMS under random wind loading is presented herein along with an equivalent static wind resistant design approach. The stochastic wind loading on the TMS in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) is simulated via the Large Eddy simulation (LES); which is detailed in a previous study by the authors and hence not repeated here. The aerodynamic loading is then employed as input in conducting the nonlinear time history analyses considering open (i.e. without facade) and closed (with facade) TMS, supported by peripheral/radial cables. The influence of the key parameters (aerodynamic roughness height, the rise-span ratio of the TMS and the membrane prestress, notably) are demonstrated. Although increasing prestress and rise-to-span ratio enhances the stiffness of TMS, the former shows dominance. Increasing roughness height also lead to increased peak loading/responses by enhanced turbulence. An equivalent static wind-resistant design is presented via the Gust Response Factors (GRFs) and an additional Nonlinear Adjustment Factors (NAFs). These factors are presented systematically, encompassing alternative scenarios. Multi-linear regression models are presented for predictive modeling of these factors, along with a probabilistic analysis for their design values that can be employed in practice bypassing an involved nonlinear dynamic analysis.