COMPUTER-SIMULATION OF THE FATIGUE BEHAVIOR OF ROOF CLADDING DURING THE PASSAGE OF A TROPICAL CYCLONE

This paper describes the development of an analytical model used to si mulate the fatigue behaviour of roof cladding during the passage of a tropical cyclone. The model incorporated into a computer program uses wind pressure data from wind tunnel tests in combination with time his tory information on wind speed and direction during a tropical cyclone , and experimental fatigue characteristics data of roof claddings. The wind pressure data is analysed using a rainflow form of analysis, and a fatigue damage index calculated using a modified form of Miner's ru le. Some of the results obtained to date and their significance in rel ation to the review of current fatigue tests are presented. The model appears to be reasonable for comparative estimation of fatigue life, b ut an improvement of Miner's rule is required for the prediction of ac tual fatigue life.