Numerical Simulation of the Strength of an Agricultural Greenhouse Structure

Abstract

Our study is a static analysis of the strength of an agricultural greenhouse structure. The greenhouse of 500 m² (20 m x 25 m) has a double-arched roof with vertical and horizontal spans. The eaves height of 2.5 m is half the ridge height. It is composed of galvanized steel tubes and covered with a polyethylene film. The simulation was performed using SOLIDWORKS software for loads in a tropical environment. The maximum wind speed used was 33.4 m/s and the installation forces were 70 Pa. This study shows that the structural components generally have low equivalent Von Mises stresses, around half the material\'s yield strength (203.9 MPa). The maximum value of this stress, 196 MPa, is observed near the connections of some spans. These spans are not load-bearing and can be reinforced. Thus, we have a minimum factor of safety (FOSmin) of 1.04, indicating optimal strength for local operating conditions. The spans also experience the greatest equivalent displacements (Umax = 62.99 mm), as well as equivalent strains, the maximum value of which is 842.8 micro. Buckling analysis gives a load factor of 13.921 and a maximum resulting amplitude of 59.16 milli. Therefore, this structure exhibits good strength under the aforementioned loads. In addition to the tropical adaptation of the conceptual approach to international standards, this study illustrates the structural strength of a greenhouse whose covered areas can be easily adapted.

Introduction

Agriculture is a key economic sector in tropical regions, particularly in Africa and Côte d'Ivoire, where improving production efficiency remains a major challenge. Greenhouses offer a practical solution by protecting crops and enhancing productivity, but their structural design must withstand environmental loads such as gravity, roofing weight, equipment loads, and wind.

This study evaluates the static performance of a greenhouse structure designed for tropical conditions. A simplified greenhouse model (20 m × 5 m) representing a full-size greenhouse (20 m × 25 m) was created in SOLIDWORKS 2023 using linear elastic material properties. The greenhouse is constructed from steel with welded connections, and loading conditions include the structure's self-weight, polyethylene roofing, installation loads (70 Pa), and a design wind pressure of 650 Pa based on a maximum wind speed of 33.4 m/s. Load combinations were established according to European, Chinese, American, and recent research standards.

Static analysis showed a maximum Von Mises stress of 196 MPa, which is slightly below the steel yield strength of 203.94 MPa, resulting in a minimum factor of safety (FOS) of 1.04. This indicates that the structure is efficiently designed, using minimal material while remaining safe under extreme loading conditions. The highest stresses occur near connections between non-load-bearing members, whereas most structural components experience stresses well below the yield limit. The maximum displacement is 62.99 mm, with a maximum strain of 842.8 με.

A buckling analysis produced a load factor of 13.921, indicating a high resistance to instability despite the slender structural members. Consequently, the study concludes that the greenhouse has adequate strength and stability, and that static analysis alone is sufficient to assess its structural performance under the considered loading conditions. The optimized design also minimizes material use and shading while identifying areas that may require local reinforcement.

Conclusion

Our study focused on the structural strength of a greenhouse in a tropical environment. With an arched roof and vertical or horizontal spans, the greenhouse frame is composed of galvanized steel tubular elements. The loading conditions took into account certain international standards and recent literature. Using SOLIDWOKS software, the static analysis gives equivalent Von Mises stress values around half the yield strength of 203.9 MPa. The maximum values of this stress, 196 MPa, observed on some spans did not significantly impact the structure\'s strength. The maximum resulting displacement of 62.99 mm and the maximum resulting deformation of 842.8 micro are acceptable for a structure with slender components. This structural strength was confirmed by the buckling analysis of the simplified section, which yielded a load factor of 13.921 and a maximum resulting deformation of 59.16 milli. This study highlights the optimal structural strength of a greenhouse model. It indicates the components, particularly some spans for which the connections and operation must be carefully considered. Furthermore, the flexibility of the structural components and their generalizability to various covered areas can be readily implemented.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Konan Eric Konan, Aka Stéphane Koffi, Zokagon Aristide Tieu. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.