Evaluation of wind pressure coefficients of single-span greenhouses built on reclaimed coastal land using a large-sized wind tunnel

• Wind pressure coefficients of single-span greenhouses on reclaimed land measured in wind tunnel.
• Building type, design factors and wind direction were investigated.
• Overall and local wind pressure coefficients proposed for structral safety and cladding desing in strong winds.

The government of Korea has announced a plan to develop large-scale greenhouse complexes on reclaimed coastal land. Wind characteristics over coastal regions are different from those of inland because of topographical and meteorological characteristics. A greenhouse facility is classified as a light-weight structure that is vulnerable to heavy wind loads. Reference to the newly modified greenhouse design standards, particularly for the reclaimed lands, has been required to ensure structural safety in strong winds. To evaluate the structural safety of greenhouses according to the wind characteristics for coastal reclaimed lands, the wind environments of these regions were simulated in a large scale Eiffel type wind tunnel. Variations in the windward terrain roughness were computed using the wind and turbulence intensity profiles based on ESDU (Engineering Sciences Data Unit, E01008) code. The wind pressure coefficients of four typical single-span greenhouses used in Korea, (Even-span, Three-quarter, Peach and Mono-span) were measured in the wind tunnel according to wind direction, roof slope and the radius of curvature of the roof. The wind pressure coefficients of the 4 types of greenhouses were proposed in terms of their structural design and cladding. The proposed wind pressure coefficients values will be valuable for greenhouse designers and manufacturers.