Wind tunnel test on responses of a lightweight roof structure under joint action of wind and snow loads

•Similarity theory for aeroelastic model test with snow drifting on roof surface is proposed.•Structural responses of a lightweight roof under joint action of wind and snow loads are investigated by wind tunnel tests.•Snowdrift and possible asynchronous vibration of snowpack and roof structure may greatly intensify structural responses.

Predicting structural responses under joint action of wind and snow loads is important in ensuring the safety of lightweight roof structures in snowy regions. In this paper, a series of similarity parameters that should be satisfied in the wind tunnel test to simulate structural responses under joint action of wind and snow loads are proposed from the perspective of similarity of wind field, particle movement, flow around the building, and structural dynamics. Then, with a double-pitched roof structure as research object, an aeroelastic model test with substituted snow particles is designed and structural responses are obtained through the wind tunnel test. The other two types of tests, namely, aeroelastic model test with additional weights and pressure measurement test, are also conducted; their results are compared with those of the aeroelastic model test with substituted snow particles. The mean and RMS response of the other two types of tests are both significantly lower than those of the aeroelastic model test with substituted snow particles. The preliminary conclusion is that wind-induced structural vibration is influenced by snowdrift and possible asynchronous vibration of the particle layer and roof structure, which could lead to a considerable increase in structural dynamic responses.