Wind loads for decorative awnings??
Wind loads for decorative awnings??
(OP)
I'm trying to get my arms around a reasonable wind load to use for an architectural feature (an awning ≈ 140 sf) on a building I'm working on. It will be a fabric, to be determined later, it will have an irregular shape oriented in an irregular manner supported by a steel/aluminum framework spaced about 20' apart.
My first thought was to use component/cladding loads, but after pushing numbers I can't imagine an awning like this anywhere designed for these load magnitudes.
Anybody have any thoughts or experience with this type of beast?
My first thought was to use component/cladding loads, but after pushing numbers I can't imagine an awning like this anywhere designed for these load magnitudes.
Anybody have any thoughts or experience with this type of beast?






RE: Wind loads for decorative awnings??
RE: Wind loads for decorative awnings??
RE: Wind loads for decorative awnings??
RE: Wind loads for decorative awnings??
RE: Wind loads for decorative awnings??
RE: Wind loads for decorative awnings??
The edge members need to be able to take this tension reaction. Look up roarks for a simple formula.
RE: Wind loads for decorative awnings??
RE: Wind loads for decorative awnings??
This is one of the main reasons behind designing for the fabric breaking strength, not the actual loading. It is also generally easier to get a hold of breaking strengths than elasticity values from my experience. As far as I've seen elasticity is not a common testing criterium.
Other posters have pointed to some sites/companies for material information, but a canvas of local suppliers would also get you the relevant information.
As for structural impact on the building, it's worth taking a look at what the loads actually are. Chances are the wind loading on the awning adds almost no net load to the building, as it shields surfaces behind it, and the overall weight of the structure may be insignificant. Generally the main concern when adding this sort of structure is the anchorage. If you cannot determine what you are anchoring to then you are in trouble.
RE: Wind loads for decorative awnings??
I understand what you are getting at, but what if your fabric breaking strength is much graeter than it needs to be? Even if it is not then you have no guarantee that your individual piece is not 20% stronger!
We get this issue with mesh banners and signs so in this case we have to design it for the full catenary action. The elasticity is hard to come by but we have usually found that the test data sheets show elongation at various stages during the testing which can be used to estimate EA.
RE: Wind loads for decorative awnings??
Perhaps you could specify a frangible fixing yourself - just be sure you aren't around when the magic load is reached - your could lose an eye... or a limb ;)