Reinforcing Pipe-Framed Greenhouses Against Snow Loads: Which Methods Work Best?

Greenhouse structures are highly vulnerable to snow accumulation, especially when loads are unevenly distributed. Recent studies confirm that non-uniform snow loads pose a greater risk than uniform ones, often leading to full-section yielding due to excessive bending moments (Zhang et al., 2023).

Key Findings on Reinforcement Methods

1. Optimal Cross-Section for Structural Members

   • Among flat elliptical hollow sections (FEHS), rectangular hollow sections (RHS), and hat-shaped sections, FEHS provides the highest flexural rigidity when using the same amount of steel.

   • Recommendation: Use FEHS for better resistance against bending moments.

2. Bracing Strategies: What Works and What Doesn’t

   • Installing braces between the south and north roofs increases costs while reducing ultimate load capacity.

   • Bracing between the south roof and column improves structural stability.

   • Recommendation: Avoid cross-roof bracing; instead, reinforce south roof-to-column connections.

3. Column Reinforcement: Lattice vs. Single-Tube

   • Replacing single-tube columns with lattice columns increases lateral stiffness, reducing displacement and improving load-bearing capacity.

   • Recommendation: Use lattice columns for long-term stability.

4. Temporary Columns for Extreme Snow Events

   • Adding a temporary column 4.5 m from the south roof end (in a 10 m-span greenhouse) maximizes reinforcement efficiency.

   • Mid-span placement offers the highest strength improvement but may interfere with farming operations.

   • Recommendation: Deploy temporary supports only during extreme snowfall.

Reinforcement Efficiency Ranking

1. Temporary columns (most effective but obstructive)

2. Lattice columns (balanced performance)

3. Bracing (least effective if improperly placed)

To safeguard greenhouses against snow-induced failures:

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• Use FEHS beams for better bending resistance.

• Install lattice columns for permanent reinforcement.

• Add temporary columns only during extreme snow events.

• Avoid ineffective bracing between north and south roofs.

By adopting these strategies, farmers and engineers can significantly enhance structural resilience while maintaining operational efficiency.