Numerical Investigation of Wind Induced Failure of Parking Shed with Suggested Retrofits & Canopy Design Optimization

Abstract

This final year project conducts a numerical analysis of the failure of an arched roof tensile fabric parking shed subjected to high wind loads. Utilizing the advanced capabilities of LS-DYNA for finite element analysis, the project evaluates the structural responses and identifies the critical failure points under simulated wind conditions. The investigation begins with an in-depth site examination, gathering material samples and structural dimensions to establish an accurate model for simulation. Through the application of LS-DYNA, the project successfully benchmarks a detailed finite element model against the observed failure, capturing the complex behaviours of the structural materials under wind loads. Through this analysis, we identify critical vulnerabilities in the parking shed’s design and propose two retrofit designs aimed at enhancing structural resilience against similar wind-induced failures. Further, the project innovatively utilizes wind tunnel testing to compare uplift on different canopy configurations, suggesting the most optimum design to minimize wind-induced damages. The findings from this project not only provide insights into the specific failure mechanism of the parking shed but also contribute to the broader field of civil engineering by enhancing our understanding of wind dynamics and structural response.