How to Design UHPC Curtain Walls for Wind Load Resistance? Wind Load Calculation and Optimization Solutions

The wind load resistance design of UHPC curtain walls directly affects building safety. It requires scientific calculation based on the regional wind environment, component parameters, and installation methods to ensure resistance to extreme wind loads. Drawing on design experience from projects across multiple regions, Qinglong analyzes the core design points and implementation strategies.

I. Core Calculation Basis and Parameter Selection for Wind Load

According to the Load Code for the Design of Building Structures (GB 50009-2012), the wind load of UHPC curtain walls is calculated using the formula Wk=βgz×μs×μz×Wo. The basic wind pressure Wo is selected based on the 50-year wind pressure value at the project location: Wo≥0.7kN/㎡ for coastal areas and Wo=0.3-0.6kN/㎡ for inland areas. The gust coefficient βgz is selected according to building height: for heights＞50m, βgz≥1.5. The wind load shape coefficient μs is selected based on the curtain wall shape: μs=1.2 for flat curtain walls and μs=1.0-1.3 for irregular curved curtain walls. The wind pressure height variation coefficient μz increases with height: at 100m, μz≥2.0. For a coastal project in Hainan, Qinglong adopted Wo of 0.9kN/㎡ to ensure resistance to severe typhoons; for an inland project in Shanghai, Wo was set at 0.5kN/㎡ to balance safety and cost.

II. Key Technical Measures for Wind Load Resistance Design

Component strength design: Based on the calculated wind load, the thickness and reinforcement of UHPC panels are determined through finite element analysis. Standard curtain wall panels are ≥20mm thick, increased to 25-30mm in strong wind areas, with built-in steel fiber content ≥2% to enhance wind load bearing capacity. Qinglong's test data shows that 25mm thick UHPC panels can withstand wind loads of over 5.0kN/㎡. Connection node reinforcement: High-strength stainless steel anchors and connectors are selected, with a single anchor pull-out capacity ≥15kN. In strong wind areas, multi-point anchoring is adopted to increase the number of anchors; the Shenzhen Longhua project improved wind resistance by 30% through densified anchor placement. Keel system optimization: Q235B steel keels are used, with cross-sectional dimensions determined by wind load calculation and spacing ≤1.2m; in strong wind areas, double keels are used to enhance overall rigidity. Sealant selection: High-elasticity sealants with a movement capability ≥±25% are selected to prevent sealant joint cracking caused by wind vibration.

III. Practical Cases of Wind Resistance Design in Different Wind Environments

Coastal severe typhoon areas (wind load ≥0.7kN/㎡): 30mm thick UHPC panels are used with anchor spacing of 0.8m×1.0m and double 12# channel steel keels, combined with silicone structural sealant. Qinglong adopted this solution in the Poly Peninsula No. 1 project in Hainan, successfully withstanding a Force 12 typhoon. Inland moderate wind environments (0.3≤Wo＜0.7kN/㎡): 20-25mm thick UHPC panels with anchor spacing of 1.0m×1.5m and standard steel keels, suited to the Yangshengtang Pharmaceutical Hangzhou Industrial Park project. High-altitude strong wind areas: Due to air pressure and wind speed characteristics, the wind load amplification factor is set at 1.1, component thickness is increased by 2-3mm, and the connection between keels and the main structure is reinforced; Qinglong met wind resistance requirements in a Yunnan project through this design.

IV. Testing and Verification Methods for Wind Resistance Performance

Wind tunnel tests are used to simulate actual wind environments and test the overall wind resistance of UHPC curtain walls, focusing on component displacement, connection node stress, and sealant deformation. Before leaving the factory, components undergo wind pressure strength testing using the static pressure box method, with pressure applied at 1.5 times the design wind load; they are deemed qualified if no damage occurs within 30 minutes. After installation, on-site sampling inspections are conducted using portable wind pressure testing equipment to test local wind resistance. In the Shanghai Astronomy Museum project, Qinglong verified the wind load resistance of the UHPC curtain wall through both wind tunnel testing and on-site inspection, ensuring it meets standards and providing reliable protection for building safety.