Laboratory for Wind Engineering : Research

As a unit of the IHRC, the LWE has engaged in several projects and initiatives required by the research agenda funded by the State of Florida under the Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program (HLMP) also known as Residential Construction Mitigation Program (RCMP).

Recent and current research includes the following work:

• Wind Pressure Distribution on Gable Roofs: The LWE 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 both reduced-scale wind tunnel models testing, as well as, full-scale testing using air boats to create a simulated hurricane wind field.
• Instrumentation of Flat Roofs to Determine Wind Pressure Distribution: The LWE 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.
• Role of Architectural Elements on Wind Pressure Distribution: The LWE 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: This 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 LWE Roofing Wind Tunnel and associated Rain Generator and Roofing Specimen Test Frame.
• Performance of Roof Sheathing Fasteners: Over the past two years the LWE has used its Vacuum Chamber to test full-scale roof sheathing panels using a variety of fasteners. These tests have lead 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 LWE 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.