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Dealing With Greenhouse Wind Loads

Bartok, J. W., Jr. Greenhouse Management and Production 27(5):62. 2007.

IN MOST PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES, wind load is the greatest force a greenhouse will be subject to. This can occur from hurricanes or tornadoes or the sudden squall from a passing weather front. Wind forces that act on the greenhouse are influenced by numerous factors including the basic wind speed, building orientation and exposure, height and shape and doors or vents that may be open. The wind passing over a greenhouse creates a positive pressure on the windward side and a negative pressure on the leeward side. These can combine to create a force that wants to collapse or overturn the structure. It can also create a force similar to an aircraft wing that wants to lift it off the ground.


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Author(s): John W. Bartok, Jr.

Section: Nursery Structures and Equipment