Performance Modelling of Aluminium Building Cladding under Hail Hazards

Abstract

Hailstorms are among the most frequent and damaging forms of localised extreme weather events, and their impact on building envelopes is increasingly significant under changing climate patterns. Aluminium alloy cladding, widely used for its lightweight, durability, and aesthetics, remains particularly vulnerable to repeated hail impact. This chapter introduces a comprehensive performance-based framework for assessing and improving the resilience of aluminium cladding systems against hail hazards. It begins with analytical modelling of hail impact forces using non-linear viscoelastic contact theory, extends to deterministic prediction of permanent indentation under varying strain rates, and i..