Design, Development, and Testing of a Composite Roofing System

Abstract

Roofing is one of the most vulnerable parts of the building envelope in a residential structure, often damaged during extreme wind events such as hurricanes or tornadoes. Conventional roofing systems in residential buildings mostly consist of separate the main wind force resisting system (MWFRS) and components and cladding (C&C). High wind uplift forces often cause partial or full destruction of one or more of these elements, leading to water intrusion and losses of interior contents. This study focuses on the design, development, and testing of a new composite roofing system that integrates the functionalities of the MWFRS and C&C. The new system is composed of lightweight concrete panels reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer mesh and rods. The architectural shape of a conventional residential roof with high profile tiles was adopted for the composite roof panels to help provide the requisite structural stiffness and strength of the MWFRS, while maintaining similar C&C aesthetics and avoiding failure of individual tiles that often become wind-borne debris. The panel system was subjected to a battery of tests under equivalent wind loads. In addition, three connections for the system were designed and validated through testing. The panel-to-wall connection provided ample continuity of the vertical load path; the panel to panel connection was found adequate for shear transfer; and the ridge connection allowed for load transfer between the windward and leeward sides of the roof. Tests demonstrated the structural viability of the new system as an alternative to conventional roofs, making it ideal for residential buildings in hurricane zones and tornado alleys. The purpose of the paper is to present details of the system and their structural reliability. Durability and constructibility issues, including cracking, are the object of future work.