• Wind and Structures
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.213-226
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• 2001

Wind uplift rating of roofing systems is based on standardised test methods. Roof specimens are placed in an apparatus with specified table size (length and width) then subjected to the required wind load cycle. Currently, there is no consensus on the table size to be used by these testing protocols in spite of the fact that a table size plays a significant role in evaluating the performance. This paper presents a study with the objective to investigate the impact of table size on the performance of roofing systems. To achieve this purpose, extensive numerical experiments using the finite element method have been conducted to investigate the performance of roofing systems subjected to wind uplift pressures. Numerical results were compared with results obtained from experimental work to benchmark the numerical modeling. Required table size and curves for the determinations of appropriate correction factors are suggested. This has been completed for various test configurations with thermoplastic waterproofing membranes. Development of correction factors for assemblies with thermoset and modified bituminous membranes are in progress. Generalization of the correction factors and its usage for wind uplift rating of roofs will be the focus of a future paper.