WeatherSolve Structures - Ultra Span Productive Environments for all Weathers

Windbreak Grids

 

The Ultra Span windbreak grid system is designed to give excellent wind protection  at a reasonable price.

The windbreak is both aerodynamically and structurally very efficient.

 

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The grid has a gently sloping perimeter which deflects nearly all the wind upwards and lets a little wind through. To keep the wind up, a series of "baffles" are positioned at about every 100ft to bounce the wind up again.  This is illustrated diagramatically on the drawing below. The bounce effect is helped by the little wind that is let through, as it stops low pressure spots forming which would suck the wind back down.

 

 

 

WHAT MAKES IT AERODYNAMICALLY EFFICIENT?
For most parts of the world, the prevailing wind direction accounts for 1/4 to 1/2 of the wind.  This highlights the importance of having shelter from all four directions. The grid does this.

One of the secrets of efficient shelter is having an inclined upwind fence. The incline creates a longer flatter wind "shadow" with less turbulence and disruption of the high speed winds higher in the atmosphere.

 

WHAT MAKES IT STRUCTURALLY EFFICIENT?
The windbreak is a grid of cables with poles at the intersection points. Fabric panels are attached to the grid in the manner described below. When the wind blows from say the North, all the East-West cables hold the fabric panels across the wind. The North-South cables are supporting the poles. When the wind blows from the West the roles are reversed. This double duty creates the  structural efficiency.

 

 

 

 

Grid protection system for Carembolas in South Florida. The grid is approximately 100ft square. Fences are 20ft high with 10ft access underneath. Note the ramped exterior for added shelter efficiency.