Wind Loading on Radial Conveyor

[bmetro]

I realize there have been other threads on wind loads on conveyors. My particular project is to evaluate an existing radial stacker (belt conveyor). The client is concerned with uplift due to wind. I am following the provisions of ASCE 7-02. The uplift wind will be based on an arched roof (because the conveyor has a hood over the conveyor). The lateral loading will be based on latticed sign or truss. Should the lateral load consider the vertical projection of the hood? Should I consider an uplift force on the truss frame and the steel grate walkways? If so, what is the best method/approach for this? Are there any design examples for the structural design of conveyors (specifically wind loading)?

 

[kslee1000]

You shall consider all surfaces exposed to wind, for conveyor, I will be extreme cautious and not to cut corners, because no one can figure out exactly the flow patterns and influences given so many geometric changes within such limited areas. THe failure could be costly.

 

[cessna98j]

Your approach sounds reasonable, this is basically the methodology I used in a similar situation with a radial stacker. Not sure of your configuration, but in my case the stacker was supported approximately at midspan by a tower, which was sat on the wheeled base.

I found that overturning was an issue at wind speeds over 40 mph and adding the required ballast at the base would be prohibitively costly. We ended up telling the client that the stacker / tower would need to be tied down to anchorage points on the ground for wind speeds higher than 40 mph.

 

[bmetro]

I appreciate both of you providing me your thoughts.