Fluid-structure interaction analysis of large-span air-supported membrane structures under typhoon conditions.

This article focuses on the development and validation of a bidirectional coupled fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method to analyze the wind-induced dynamic response of large-span air-supported membrane structures, specifically an air-supported membrane coal shed under typhoon conditions. The method integrates large eddy simulation for turbulent fluid flow with membrane and cable net structural models, enabling accurate and computationally efficient simulation of the coupled fluid and structural behavior. In situ measurements of displacement, pressure, and cable strain collected during Typhoon Muifa were used to validate the numerical results, showing good agreement with errors generally below 10%. Key findings include dominant vertical displacement responses, spatially varying wind pressure distributions with suction prevailing except on the windward side, and distinct strain patterns with greater fluctuations on the windward side. This research provides a validated framework for designing and monitoring large-span air-supported membrane structures subjected to extreme wind loads.