Wind Pressure Evaluation for Field and Ridge Tiles

Wind-induced external and internal pressures on tiles installed on a low-rise building model with gable roof were investigated by using a full-scale wind testing facility generically named Wall of Wind (WoW). Emphasis was given to ridge tile where a failure usually initiates during extreme wind events. Three different profiles field tiles namely high, medium, and low were investigated in combination with two types of ridge tiles namely rounded and three-sided. Effect of weather block on the pressure was examined. The study produced a unique high resolution pressure data in the form of pressure coefficients (Cpmin, Cpmax and Cpmean) for field and ridge tiles. These tests revealed high pressure coefficients for the ridge tile compared to the field tiles including those at the corners. Ridge tiles at the middle of the roof saw slightly lower wind pressure compared to those close to the gable end. Weather blocking of clay tiles while useful preventing water intrusion, increased the wind loads on the field tiles. The case without weather blocking produced significant pressure underneath the field tiles that resulted in lower net pressures