Aerodynamic, hydro-aerodynamic and destructive testing Available to Purchase

Hurricane-induced losses in the USA increased from US$1·3 billion per year pre 1990 to US$ 36 billion per year post 2000. In 2005, the losses exceeded US$100 billion. Hurricanes caused over 1400 fatalities in 2004–2005. Research focusing on the complex interaction between hurricanes and the built environment is therefore necessary to develop a cohesive and systemic approach to building hurricane-resilient communities. Full- and large-scale experimental research at Florida International University is focusing on the development of a hurricane wind and wind-driven-rain testing facility (generically named the ‘wall of wind') capable of subjecting single-storey building models to hurricane effects. Three different types of tests are envisioned: aerodynamic (pressure tests for low-rise buildings, rooftop equipment and mitigation); hydro-aerodynamic (wind-driven-rain intrusion through roof secondary water barriers, soffits and window/door/wall interfaces); and destructive (roof tile and shingle tests, roof fascia tests). This paper describes the new facility, provides details on hurricane wind and rain simulation, discusses the three different types of testing capabilities and states the goals of the research aimed at developing hurricane-resilient communities.