Stability of single-layer cylindrical reticulated shells under snow load：CFD simulation and structural sensitivity analysis

Single-layer cylindrical reticulated shells are highly sensitive to snow load, which significantly affects their structural stability. This study adopts a combined approach of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and elastic-plastic time history analysis to facilitate parametric analysis of full-scale models, systematically investigating the influence of snow load on the stability of single-layer cylindrical reticulated shells from a structural response perspective. The accuracy of the CFD model was first validated through wind tunnel tests. CFD simulations were then employed to determine snow distribution patterns on cylindrical roofs under varying inflow conditions and roof shapes. The simulated snow loads were subsequently applied as input in elastic-plastic time history analysis to assess their impact on structural stability. Through sensitivity analysis of snow load distribution locations and comprehensive parallel calculations, the most unfavorable snow load distribution range and peak load location for structural stability were identified, along with corresponding engineering recommendations. Results indicate that a triangular distribution on the leeward surface under 0° inflow has the most adverse effect on structural stability. The sensitivity of structural stability to snow distribution patterns increases notably with roof span, while variations in the rise-span ratio have negligible influence. The most unfavorable stability condition occurs when snow is distributed within the 0.4–1.0 range of the roof, with the peak load located at a horizontal tangential angle of 23°. Compared to existing design codes, the proposed snow load distribution in this study demonstrates improved reliability in ensuring the structural safety of single-layer reticulated shells under snow loads.