Research article Vol. 22 No. 3 (2026): International Journal for Computational Civil and Structural Engineering

NUMERICAL MODELLING OF SNOW LOADS. VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION FOR THE KEMEROVO MUSEUM, THEATRE AND EDUCATION COMPLEX

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NUMERICAL MODELLING OF SNOW LOADS. VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION FOR THE KEMEROVO MUSEUM, THEATRE AND EDUCATION COMPLEX

Authors

  • Alexander Belostotsky National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Moscow, RUSSIA
  • Nikita Britikov National Research Moscow State Civil Engineering University, Moscow, RUSSIA
  • Oleg Goryachevsky National Research Moscow State Civil Engineering University, Moscow, RUSSIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22337/2587-9618-2026-22-3-76-89

Keywords:

computational fluid dynamics (CFD), numerical modelling, snow loads, verification, validation

Abstract

This paper presents the results of numerical and physical modelling of snow loads for a unique facility, conducted within the verification procedure of Ansys Fluent in the RAASN system. By analysing the grid and iteration convergence, the applicability of the steady-state (RANS) simulations and three turbulence models (k-ω SST, GEKO-0.70 and GEKO-1.25) is verified for the snow loads determination. The results are compared against experimental data obtained in the MSUCE wind tunnel. A simpler approach to error estimation is utilised since previous research revealed weak applicability of such widely used methods as Richardson extrapolation and approximate error spline. It is shown that the GEKO-0.70 turbulence model (with the separation coefficient CSEP = 0.70) provides a better fit to the wind tunnel data than GEKO-1.25 and k-ω SST. 4.   It is confirmed that Ansys Fluent allows the snow loads determination on buildings of complex shape with the accuracy sufficient enough for practical purposes, provided that modern turbulence models and methods set out in the STO “Numerical modelling of wind and snow actions” are used.

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Published

2026-09-25

How to Cite

Belostotsky, A., Britikov, N., & Goryachevsky, O. (2026). NUMERICAL MODELLING OF SNOW LOADS. VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION FOR THE KEMEROVO MUSEUM, THEATRE AND EDUCATION COMPLEX. International Journal for Computational Civil and Structural Engineering, 22(3), 76-89. https://doi.org/10.22337/2587-9618-2026-22-3-76-89

Keywords

computational fluid dynamics (CFD), numerical modelling, snow loads, verification, validation

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