Study on snowdrift characteristics and corresponding control measures for elevated buildings in Arctic region

Abstract

The melting of Arctic sea ice offers new opportunities for commercial use of the Arctic Passage. However, severe snow drifting environments in this region often cause snow-related disasters, such as traffic congestion and structural burial, challenging the development of the Arctic Passage and coastal ports. To withstand snowdrift disasters, elevated structures have been commonly used in the Arctic. Therefore, this study aims to explore the snowdrift characteristics and corresponding control measures for Arctic elevated buildings. Initially, a wind tunnel test of snowdrifts around a scaled elevated building was carried out based on the analysis of the typical adverse meteorological conditions in Arctic region. Through the comparison with test results, a numerical method was validated and used to investigate the measures of snow reduction and prevention for elevated buildings. The results show that the elevated structures can effectively reduce surrounding snowdrifts by accelerating airflow beneath the building. Increasing elevated height and lateral elevated pillar columns may lead to more even snow distributions, while widening and shortening wind channels between elevated pillars can effectively control snowdrifts under the elevated layer.