Abstract:
In recent years, inflatable membrane structures with rectangular planes have been widely used in large-span coal bunkers and other facilities. However, the wind-induced vibration coefficients for these structures are not provided in design standards. In this paper, the wind loads on inflatable membrane structures with rectangular planes for typical rise-span ratios are obtained through wind tunnel tests. The wind-induced responses are calculated via a nonlinear dynamic time-history analysis method. The influences of different parameters such as wind velocity, wind direction, span, rise-span ratio, and internal pressure on the deformations and extreme responses are investigated. The results show that the mean structural deformation is characterized as concave on the wind? ward and leeward regions and convex on the top and side regions. The spatial distributions of extreme responses are significantly in? fluenced by the structural parameters and wind directions. Additionally, the wind-induced responses are positively correlated with the spans and rise-span ratios. The structural wind resistant performance can be strengthened by enhancing internal pressure to some extent. The internal pressure is recommended between 400 and 500 Pa. The wind-induced vibration coefficients of displace? ment and stress are provided for engineering reference.