Ponding Effect: Nonlinear Loading on Tensile Surface Structures

Abstract

This paper deals with a potentially danger- ous phenomenon known as the ponding effect that may occur on tensile surface structures. This phenomenon may cause a local disorder that might lead to a fatal damage and collapse of the structure. The aim is to create and verify a searching algorithm in order to lo- calise a possible ponding effect occurrence. Its main purpose is to scan the membrane surface deformed un- der snow load and locate areas prone to accumulation of melted snow. Thereafter the area of water pond is cal- culated and the area is loaded with an additional weight. A verification is made on the conical structure consid- ering a variety of height to length ratios.