Trajectories of Wind-Borne Debris in Horizontal Winds and Applications to Impact Testing
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 133, Issue 2
Abstract
This paper considers the trajectories of compact and rod-type wind-borne debris in horizontal winds, using a combination of experimental and numerical studies. These types are representative of the roof gravel and timber members currently used for testing building facades and storm shutters. These studies indicate that the ratio of horizontal debris speed to wind gust speed is primarily a function of the horizontal distance traveled by the debris as it accelerates toward the wind speed. Empirical expressions to approximate the horizontal speed of these debris as a function of travel distance and time are developed, and may be used to establish rational debris impact criteria.
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Acknowledgments
This work was carried out under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Commerce Texas Tech University/National Institute of Standards and Technology Windstorm Mitigation Initiative. The assistance of Mr. Taylor Gunn, Mr. Lee Franks, Mr. Dejiang Chen, and Ms. Shannon Smith in carrying out the tests is gratefully acknowledged. The second writer acknowledges the financial support at Louisiana State University in 2003 and 2004, provided by the John P. Laborde Visiting Professor Endowment, and Louisiana Sea Grant.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 133 • Issue 2 • February 2007
Pages: 274 - 282
Copyright
© 2007 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 29, 2005
Accepted: May 25, 2006
Published online: Feb 1, 2007
Published in print: Feb 2007
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: Kurtis R. Gurley
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