Wall of Wind (WoW) Research at FIU:

Hurricane Wind Load Assessment on Roof Top Equipments: The Laboratory for Wind Engineering Research (LWER) at FIU studies the interaction of winds with roof top equipments in order to determine the types of wind forces and pressures affecting them and their distribution through full-scale testing of the actual roof-top equipments using WoW. Retrofit techniques are also being developed to mitigate wind induced damages to roof top equipments.

Wind Pressure Distribution on Gable and Hip Roofs: The LWER studies the interaction of winds with roofs in order to determine the types of pressures affecting them and their distribution. The main objective is to identify weaknesses in the building envelope in order to determine future recommendations. This research involves full-scale testing using WoW.

Mitigation of Roof Uplift through Vortex Suppression Techniques: The LWER is collaborating with WeatherPredict Consulting Inc. to validate at full-scale the effectiveness of modified roof edge geometries (AeroEdges designed by WeatherPredict’s Vice President Dr. Jason Lin) in the reduction of high suctions (negative pressures) at roof corner and edge regions through WoW testing approach. The application of modified edge shapes to flat roofs has shown significant reduction (up to 74%) in roof suctions.

Development of Innovative Roof-to-Wall Connections: Through full-scale testing and Performance Based Engineering (PBE) performed in the Structures and Construction Laboratory (SCL) and WoW, an innovative, cost-effective, light, strong, ductile, and non-intrusive roof-to-wall connection, as a preliminary alternative to conventional intrusive connections, is being developed to strengthen new and existing residential buildings against hurricanes.

Role of Architectural Elements on Wind Pressure Distribution: Through WoW testing the LWER is investigating how the shape of a roof, dormers and other architectural elements of a house interact with hurricane winds. These architectural elements may soften or worsen the impact of wind loads on the roof.

Water Penetration of Discontinuous Roofing Materials: LWER research examines how the combination of wind-driven rain and hurricane winds may cause failure in roofing materials, leading to water penetration and eventual roof and interior damage. Work is conducted using the WoW and associated Rain Generator and Roofing Specimen Test Frame.

Water Penetration of Secondary Water Barriers: LWER research examines how the combination of wind-driven rain and hurricane winds may cause failure in underlayment’s leading to water penetration and eventual interior damage. Work is conducted using the WoW and associated Rain Generator and Roofing Specimen Test Frame.

Performance of Roof Sheathing Fasteners: Over the past years the LWER has used its Vacuum Chamber to test full-scale roof sheathing panels using a variety of fasteners. These tests led to a recommendation by the IHRC to modify the Florida Building Code with respect to roof sheathing standards in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone.

Performance of Roof Attachment for Frame Walls: The LWER uses its Dual Load Reaction Frame to test the performance of connections between roof structures and walls. These tests use full-scale assemblies. The main objective of this research is to enhance the effectiveness of connectors used to transfer loads from roof to walls.

Instrumentation of Flat Roofs to Determine Wind Pressure Distribution: The LWER has designed instrumentation that can be installed on a flat roof without penetrating the roof membrane and causing water penetration. This research will help create a pressure distribution map leading to the reinforcement of weak areas for flat roofs.

Computational Fluid Dynamics: The LWER uses a computational fluid dynamic simulation for preliminary assessment of hurricane wind design parameters to narrow down WoW full-scale test cases whenever applicable. CFD is also being used to augment the WoW research.


Publications

  • Leatherman, S.P., Gan Chowdhury, A., Robertson, C. J. (2007). “Wall of Wind Full-Scale, Destructive Testing of Coastal Houses and Hurricane Damage Mitigation,” Journal of Coastal Research, 23 (5), p. 1211-1217.
  • Gan Chowdhury, A., Leatherman, S.P. (2007). “Innovative Testing Facility to Mitigate Hurricane-Induced Losses,” EOS, Transactions, American Geophysical Union, 88 (25), pp. 262.
  • Gan Chowdhury, A., Simiu, E., Leatherman, S.P. “Destructive Testing under Simulated Hurricane Effects to Promote Hazard Mitigation.” Accepted for Publication, ASCE Natural Hazards Review Journal.
  • Gan Chowdhury, A., Simiu, E., Leatherman, S.P. (2007). “Hurricane Damage Mitigation of Coastal Houses.” Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Wind Engineering (Cairns, Australia), pp. 1975-1982.
  • Bitsuamlak, G.T., Gan Chowdhury, A., Dagnew, A. (2008). “Computational Blockage Assessment for a New Full-scale Testing Facility.” Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Advances in Wind and Structures (Jeju, Korea).
  • Huang, P., Liu, R., Gan Chowdhury, A., Bitsuamlak, G.T., Erwin, J., Ahmed, S.S. (2008). “Turbulence Simulation of Small-Scale Wall of Wind Flows.” Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Advances in Wind and Structures (Jeju, Korea).
  • Merrick, R., Bitsuamlak, G.T. (2008). "Control of Flow around a Circular Cylinder by the Use of Surface Roughness." Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Advances in Wind and Structures (Jeju, Korea).

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