Comparative Study on Non-Gaussian Characteristics of Wind Pressure for Rigid and Flexible Structures

This paper summarizes a comprehensive study for non-Gaussian properties of wind pressure. The field measurements are implemented on the structure surface of a rigid structure, while a large-span membrane structure is selected as the flexible structure wind pressure contrast group. The non-Gaussian characteristics of measured pressure data were analyzed and discussed through probability density distribution, characteristic statistical parameters, power spectral density function, and the correlations, respectively. In general, the non-Gaussian characteristics of wind pressure present depending on tap location, wind direction, and structure geometry. In this study, the fluctuating wind pressures on the windward side and leeward side of the structures show obvious different degrees of non-Gaussian properties; that is, the surface of rigid structure shows strong non-Gaussian property in leeward, while the roof of flexible structure shows obvious non-Gaussian property in windward. Finally, this paper utilizes the present autospectrum empirical formula to fit the wind pressure power spectrum density of the measured data and obtains the conclusion that the existing empirical formula is not ideal for fitting of the flexible structure.