Development and Application of a Crossed Multi-Arch Greenhouse in Tropical China

Deep analysis and demonstration of the developed crossed multi-arch greenhouse were conducted from the perspectives of conceptual design, architectural and structural design, functional design, loading parameters, and structural internal forces. The results show that the crossed multi-arch greenhouse combines the ventilation area between the floor-standing round-arch greenhouse and the unsuitable operation area under the arch bars into one to form a multi-span crossed arch structure with good ventilation and heat dissipation, land savings, and fine mechanical behaviors. The main arch structure uses 32.4% less steel and 25% less foundation volume than the control greenhouse under the same load, which can save about CNY 10,184.00/667m2 of investment according to the current cost level. In the meantime, ventilation simulation analysis of the developed crossed multi-arch greenhouse was carried out using the software Design Builder. A comparison shows that, under the condition of no wind and breeze (1 m/s) in summer, the setting of the ventilation channel has obvious advantages for the heat dissipation of the greenhouse, and the average temperature is about 2 °C lower than that of the greenhouse without a ventilation channel; under the breeze condition, the temperature in the crossed multi-arch greenhouse is more evenly distributed than that of an ordinary round-arch greenhouse with ventilation channels. Considering the greenhouse function, building cost, using effect, and other evaluation factors, the crossed multi-arch greenhouse can meet the production environment requirements of tropical coastal areas (rain protection, sunshade, and ventilation), with obvious structural advantages, good typhoon resistance, and low construction costs, which is a preferable choice of greenhouse type.