Study of wind-sand load effects and distribution patterns of particle collisions on low-rise buildings in strong wind-sand environments

Strong wind-sand transport processes expose engineering structures in arid and semi-arid regions to the combined effects of wind and sand particles, which increases structural loads. Current designs focus primarily on wind loads and often overlook detailed studies on wind-sand interactions. This paper employs Euler-Lagrange two-phase flow methodology to investigate how wind speed, particle size, and sand concentration affect structural load effects and collision distributions in low-rise buildings. A linear relationship is established between sand concentration and the increased windward shape coefficient, highlighting the impact of sand particle collisions on structures made of steel and concrete. The analysis reveals that collision characteristics on building surfaces relate to particle followability and are influenced by wind speed, particle size, and spatial height. Wind speed is identified as the major factor affecting collision load magnitudes. To enhance safety, it is advisable to avoid placing critical components at the edges and corners of structures facing prevailing high wind directions. This research yields important insights for developing wind load design and protection strategies for low-rise buildings below 5 m in areas susceptible to wind-sand events.