Wind Loadings: Hand Calculations Vs Computational Fluid Dynamics

Jan 7, 2025 11:00:00 AM

At The Tipi Company, ensuring our tipis stand strong and secure against the elements is our top priority. One of the most critical factors we consider is wind loadings — the ability of our structures to withstand various wind forces. While many manufacturers rely solely on traditional hand calculations to estimate wind performance, we have taken it a step further by investing in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This advanced method ensures that our wind loadings are the most accurate and reliable in the market, giving you complete confidence when investing in our tipis.

Hand Calculations

Hand calculations for wind loadings are a conventional method used across the industry. Engineers rely on standardized formulas and coefficients, such as those outlined in the Eurocode 1 or the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7, to estimate how much wind force a structure can withstand. The primary steps usually include:

Estimating wind speed: Based on geographic location, building height, terrain roughness, and other factors.
Determining exposure category: The level of wind exposure, considering whether the site is urban or rural, and the height of surrounding structures.
Calculating pressure coefficients: Based on shape and orientation of the structure, which are usually pre-determined values or simplified from research.
Applying simplified equations: Engineers use empirical formulas and coefficients to estimate wind pressures on surfaces.

While hand calculations are quick, simple, and cost-effective for preliminary designs, they come with limitations. These methods rely on generalized assumptions and do not account for complex wind behaviors, like turbulence or pressure changes across unique structures — such as our bespoke giant tipis.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

At The Tipi Company, we are proud to be the only tipi manufacturer to have invested in CFD analysis for wind loadings. This method simulates real-world wind conditions in a digital environment, allowing us to understand exactly how wind interacts with our tipis.

Through CFD, we:

Analyse Wind Flow in Detail: CFD can model complex wind patterns, including turbulence, vortex shedding, and pressure distribution over complex shapes.
Accuracy: Unlike hand calculations, CFD can simulate real-world fluid dynamics more precisely, accounting for local effects, transient winds, and interactions between multiple elements.
Refine Design Features: Using precise data to optimize our metalwork, the number of fixings on the canvas mudwall, and other key components.
Ensure Structural Strength: Proving that our tipi poles, sourced from northern Scandinavia, are the strongest on the market. Scandinavian timber is renowned for its durability and superior strength compared to UK-grown wood, making it ideal for standing firm against high winds.

Our commitment to CFD testing means that our tipis are designed to endure higher wind speeds with confidence and safety, whether they’re installed on open hillsides, coastal areas, or exposed rural locations.

Comparison

Feature	Hand Calculations	CFD
Speed	Fast, suitable for preliminary designs	Slow, requires extensive setup and computation
Accuracy	Approximate, based on assumptions and standard formulas	High accuracy, accounts for complex effects like turbulence
Complexity	Simple, straightforward formula-based approach	Highly complex, requires software and expertise
Cost	Low cost (no special tools needed)	High cost (requires software, hardware, and expertise)
Customization	Limited (standard formulas)	Highly customizable for specific structures
Visualization	No visualization capability	Can visualize wind patterns, pressure distribution
Ideal Use	Quick, small-scale, and preliminary designs	Detailed, high-accuracy analysis for large or complex structures

How Strong Are Our Tipis?

Thanks to our thorough CFD analysis, we can proudly state that The Tipi Company’s structures are among the most reliable on the market. The detailed simulations guide every design choice, ensuring maximum strength and stability.

The enhanced metalwork and fixing systems ensure the canvas remains secure and stable, even in challenging weather.
Northern Scandinavian poles provide unparalleled durability, far surpassing alternatives in the market.

Whether it’s a winter wedding, a glamping retreat, or an outdoor learning space, our tipis offer year-round reliability and performance.

While traditional hand calculations provide a basic estimate of wind loading, The Tipi Company’s investment in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) sets us apart. This advanced approach ensures our tipis meet the highest safety standards, providing unmatched strength, durability, and accuracy.

We are proud to lead the industry with the most reliable tipis on the market. If you are looking to invest in a tipi for 2025 and want to learn more about wind loadings, design options, or bespoke solutions, get in touch with our team today. We’ll be happy to help you every step of the way to find the perfect tipi solution for your space — no matter the weather.

Explore our range of tipis today and discover how they can elevate your business in 2025. Please get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements today!

Topics from this blog: Beyond The Poles

Back