Wind pressure characteristics of chinese traditional timber buildings through wind tunnel tests

Chinese traditional architecture embodies invaluable cultural heritage, yet the increasing frequency of wind-induced damage to historical structures has revealed significant vulnerabilities in their wind resistance. Therefore, comprehensive wind load research constitutes a fundamental prerequisite for effective wind-resistant conservation. This study systematically investigates the mean, fluctuating, and peak wind pressure characteristics of typical traditional roof types (hip roof, single-eave gable-and-hip roof, and double-eave gable-and-hip roof) through wind tunnel experiments. The influence of multiple factors on wind pressure characteristics is also analyzed, including geometric refinement, roof type, corner forms and double-eave configurations. The findings demonstrate the inherent design intelligence of traditional roof components in achieving both wind-resistant functionality and aesthetic integrity. These findings establish a critical foundation for developing targeted conservation strategies against escalating wind hazards in Chinese traditional architecture.