Critical Review of Modern Numerical Modelling of Snow Accumulation on Roofs With Arbitrary Geometry

Abstract

The calculation of snow loads on roofs of buildings and structures with arbitrary geometry is a complex problem, solving which requires simulating snow accumulation with acceptable engineering accuracy. Experiments in wind tunnels, although widely used in recent years, do not allow to reproduce the real full-scale effects of all snow transport subprocesses, since it is impossible to satisfy all the similarity conditions. This situation, coupled with the continuous improvement of mathematical models, numerical methods, computer technologies and related software, makes the development and future implementation of numerical modelling in real construction practice and regulatory documents inevitable. This paper reviews currently existing mathematical models and numerical methods used to calculate the forms of snow deposits. And, although the lack of significant progress in the field of modelling snow accumulation still remains one of the major problems in CFD, use of existing models, supported by field observations and experimental data, allows to reproduce reasonably accurate snow distributions. The importance of the “symbiosis” between classical experimental methods and modern numerical models is specifically emphasized in the paper, as well as the fact that only the joint use of approaches can comprehensively describe modelling of snow accumulation and snow transport and provide better solutions to a wider range of problems.

Numerical Modelling of Snow Deposits and Snow Transport on Long-Span Roofs for Steady and Unsteady Flow

“…In this regard, a methodology has been developed that allows to model snow transport and snow accumulation on large-span roofs of by means of numerical simulation of saltation, the results of which can then be used in combination with the building code recommendations for determining the design roof shape coefficient . Based on our previous studies ( [1,2,3]), a decision was made to use the erosion-deposition model to simulate saltation. Since it describes the change of the height of the snow surface in time, the methodology was initially developed for unsteady flow.…”

Численное Моделирование Снеговых Нагрузок. Особенности И Перспективы Развития Методики

“…Для этого создаётся геометрическая модель здания или сооружения в окружающей застройке, на основе которой затем формируется конечнообъёмная сетка для численного решения уравнений. На основании проведённых ранее исследований [3][4][5] для моделирования сальтационного слоя снегопереноса используется модель уноса-отложения [6]. Результаты, полученные с её помощью на модельных задачах, показали достаточно хорошее согласование с результатами как натурных наблюдений, так и физического (экспериментального) моделирования в аэродинамических трубах.…”