Building up a finite element model and calculating the wind load for large-span spatial hinged canopy of exhibition complex

This article is aimed to provide information about calculation of the wind load onto complex geometric forms using modern computer program SOFiSTiK, which implements the finite element method (FEM). The сalculation is made on the example of large-span spatial hinged canopy of exhibition complex "North canopy" in the Shushary village, Leningrad region. The problem of calculation of large-span spatial hinged form "North canopy" of exhibition complex for wind and snow loads has been faced while the company "Evgeny Gerasimov & partners LLC" developing the construction project of the Congress-exhibition complex in the Shushary village, Leningrad region. In this regard, there exists a need for research targeting to:

1. Examination of the construction’s strength and stability under its own weight, wind and snow load under different variants of thewind airflow direction.
2. Determination of the structure’s maximum deflections. The problem was solved taking into account the experience of spatial structures’ calculations and investigations.