Low-Rise Modular Structure Wind Load Evaluation

Low-rise buildings represent the majority of commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. This raises the importance of accurately assessing the wind loads developed on their surfaces. Typical low-rise buildings can be designed using wind load obtained from methods provided by design codes. As for non-typical low-rise buildings, they require more sophisticated methods of wind load evaluation. In addition, with the increasing demand for healthcare space due to COVID-19, the urge to meet the space demand calls for immediate action to overcome this issue. When it comes to construction, the conventional method may not provide a prompt solution to the urgent need for healthcare space. This highlights the importance of utilizing advanced construction methods (e.g., modular construction) to respond to such problems. Modular construction relies on the use of prefabricated units that can be assembled on-site to form different types of structures. The application studied in this paper primarily focuses on the use of modularly constructed structures to provide healthcare space. Since modular buildings are typically of irregular layout low-rise buildings, wind load distribution can be complex compared with typical structures; thus, the expected wind load on different modules within the layout may vary. Accordingly, this paper demonstrates the non-typical wind distribution developed on a modularly constructed hospital. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method is utilized to evaluate wind loads developed on a non-typical layout. Based on the study results, critical forces developed on surfaces were found to be different depending on the module’s location within the layout. Different corners, edges, and internal modules are examined in this study. The results of this study can be further used to design different grades of modules; thus, achieving better usability of materials.