Large-Scale Experimentation Using the 12-Fan Wall of Wind to Assess and Mitigate Hurricane Wind and Rain Impacts on Buildings and Infrastructure Systems
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 7
Abstract
Engineering research is undergoing dramatic changes with novel, large-scale research facilities being developed to help reduce the growing economic losses associated with natural disasters. The wall of wind (WOW), at Florida International University (FIU), is such an experimental facility, capable of simulating hurricane winds and wind-driven rain to better understand hurricane effects on buildings and other infrastructure. The WOW has been designated by the national science foundation (NSF) as one of the experimental facilities (EFs) under the natural hazards engineering research infrastructure (NHERI) program, which aims to allow researchers to enable innovations and help prevent natural hazards from becoming societal disasters. The WOW EF’s goal is to facilitate research to improve design practices for structural systems, building envelopes, and lifeline infrastructure. This paper presents an overview of the design and development of the WOW research facility and delineates its capabilities to assess and mitigate the impacts of hurricane wind, rain, and debris on civil infrastructure. Advantages and limitations of the facility are explained. To illustrate the EF’s research capabilities, details and results from three recent case studies related to large-scale and full-scale testing of building components and traffic infrastructure are described.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the contribution of the late Quentin Spendrup (SMJ) who provided valuable guidance during the design phase of the fans for the 12-fan WOW. The authors also acknowledge the technical support of Marco Accardo (RWDI) and research efforts of the Ph.D. students and staff of the WOW team. Dr. Emil Simiu’s suggestion to develop the scale model of the prototype WOW to validate the CFD results is acknowledged. The WOW development, research, and operations have been supported by, among others, the National Science Foundation (NSF Award Nos. 1520853, 1151003, 0923365), Florida Division of Emergency Management (FL DEM), Florida Sea Grant College Program, FM Global, Applied Insurance Research (AIR) Worldwide, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., and The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress. The test rig described in this paper is part of a research program funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The support and encouragement from the Traffic Engineering Research Lab of FDOT is gratefully acknowledged. The opinions, findings and conclusions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Florida Department of Transportation or the United States Department of Transportation.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 7 • July 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 31, 2016
Accepted: Dec 20, 2016
Published online: Mar 10, 2017
Published in print: Jul 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Aug 10, 2017
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