Distribution of Wind Loads in Metal-Clad Roofing Structures

Abstract

The roof is the part that experiences the largest wind load and is usually the most vulnerable part of a house. However, data on how the wind loads are transferred through the roof structure are scarce. The fluctuating nature and variable spatial distribution of wind loads combined with the structural response can cause significant challenges for assessing the distribution or sharing of loads in a roof. Such studies are required to obtain more reliable estimates on vulnerability assessment to windstorms. This paper describes the transmission of wind loads from the pressure on the cladding through the cladding-to-batten connections to the batten-to-truss connections on a roofing system typical of that in many contemporary houses constructed in cyclonic regions of Australia. The study found that the use of normal design practices can significantly underestimate connection loads when highly correlated large-scale wind pressures act on these roof systems.