Ponding Effect: Nonlinear Loading of Tensile Surface Structures

Abstract

This paper deals with a potentially dangerous phenomenon known as the ponding effect that may occur on tensile surface structures. This phenomenon may cause a local disorder that might lead to a fatal damage and collapse of the structure. The aim is to create and verify a searching algorithm in order to localise a possible ponding effect occurrence. Its main purpose is to scan the membrane surface deformed under snow load and locate areas prone to accumulation of melted snow. Thereafter the area of water pond is calculated and the area is loaded with an additional weight. A verification is made on the conical structure considering a variety of height to length ratios.This paper deals with a potentially dangerous phenomenon known as the ponding effect that may occur on tensile surface structures. This phenomenon may cause a local disorder that might lead to a fatal damage and collapse of the structure. The aim is to create and verify a searching algorithm in order to localise a possible ponding effect occurrence. Its main purpose is to scan the membrane surface deformed under snow load and locate areas prone to accumulation of melted snow. Thereafter the area of water pond is calculated and the area is loaded with an additional weight. A verification is made on the conical structure considering a variety of height to length ratios.