Statistical characteristics of the spatial distribution of wind and snow in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

At present, the wind and snow loads are calculated independently when determining the design specifications for building structures. Yet, when snow drifting occurs, the basic wind and snow pressures exist almost simultaneously. Therefore, building specifications based on the independent calculations of the wind and snow loads cannot be used effectively in areas that are severely impacted by snow drifting. Some parts of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China have suffered particularly severe snow drifting natural disasters. In this paper, we offer an analysis of the statistical characteristics of the spatial distribution of wind and snow in this region. In particular, we extract the values of the combined distribution of the wind and snowfall in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China by using parameters such as snowfall intensity, snowfall amount, wind speed, and wind direction as indicators that show the snow drifting disasters. This study found that, after heavy snowfall events, the accumulative wind scale is high and the accumulative snowfall is large in the Altay, the Bortala Mongol Autonomous, and the Tacheng Prefectures of northern Xinjiang, and the Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture of western Xinjiang. It has an important practical significance for the design of building structures and the treatment of snow drifting disasters.

Modeling of the Snowdrift in Cold Regions: Introduction and Evaluation of a New Approach

Unbalanced, or non-uniform, snow loads caused by snow drifting or sliding in cold regions with heavy snowfalls, can be a serious problem for the building industry. However, the methods for predicting snow distribution still need to be improved. Field observation is the most direct and reliable method to study snow distribution, but because the natural environment is uncontrollable and varies dramatically, sometimes conclusions may be confused under the influence of the many variables in the investigation. This paper proposes a snowing experiment approach using an outdoor snow–wind combined experiment facility for the study of snow distribution. The facility can produce a stable and controllable wind field and snowfall environment. Experiments which focused on snowdrift around a building were conducted during the winter to make an evaluation of the repeatability and reliability of the new approach. Finally, from the analysis of results, it was demonstrated that the experimental facility was stable and that the similarity criterion adopted for the snowing pattern was reliable. Especially, the minimum value of the friction speed ratio was suggested to ensure the test accuracy.