CFD simulations of the wind-induced pressure distribution on double-curvature cable domes: Impact of geometrical parameters

Double-curvature cable domes exhibit superior stability and rigidity compared to their positive-curvature counterparts. However, their inherent flexibility and lightweight nature make them highly sensitive to wind loads. Given the absence of clear regulations in existing design codes for such innovative structures, this study aims to investigate the impact of three geometrical parameters on wind-induced mean and peak pressures on these roofs: (i) cable and strut arrangement, (ii) structure height, and (iii) saddle-shaped roof curvature. The evaluations are based on high-fidelity Scale-Adaptive Simulations (SAS) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The results of mean pressure coefficient show minimal effect from variations in cable and strut arrangement, whereas significant sensitivity is observed in both structure height and roof curvature. Specifically, reducing the structure height from 0.4 to 0.1 of the dome span results in a 0.38 decrease in the negative wind pressure coefficient, while changing the saddle roof height from 0.25 to 0.1 of the span leads to a reduction of 1.5 in the negative wind pressure coefficient at the middle of the roof and an increase of 0.4 at the leading edge. A comparison with the design peak pressure coefficient specified in CNR-DT 207/2018 for hyperbolic-paraboloid roofs shows an underestimation of suction at several locations, with a maximum deviation of 1.5.