Wall of Wind
TM
Wind and W Rain Test • Roofing materials and systems • Wall cladding • Building rooftop equipment • Louver systems • Fenestration products (windows, doors) • Solar collectors • Shelters, tents, etc. • Green building technologies
Wind-Driven sting For: • Architectural features • Sustainable building envelope systems • Transportation structures (bridges, road signs, light poles, etc.) • Electrical infrastructure systems • Communication (antenna, dishes, etc.) • Research for product development • Other
The 12-fan Wall of Wind™
at FIU is the largest and most powerful university research facility of its kind and is capable of simulating a Category 5 hurricane – the highest rating on the SaffirSimpson Hurricane Wind Scale – over a cross section 20 feet wide by 14 feet high (6.1 by 4.3 meters). The facility also includes a carefully calibrated flow management system, which employs spires and floor roughness elements to simulate realistic hurricane characteristics with
turbulence, gusting and atmospheric boundary layer conditions. The Wall of Wind™ is now available for controlled large- and full-scale testing of building and infrastructure components in wind and rain flows that replicate up to CAT 5 hurricane conditions. This facility fills the void where most current wind-structure testing falls short and has the potential to be as influential to wind engineering as crash testing is to the automobile industry.
5
CAT Hurricane Wind Speed Capability
FIU brings together the critical elements of wind/rain testing and engineering analysis to achieve comprehensive results for its clients. To do this, our expert team of wind engineers and scientific researchers from FIU’s International Hurricane Research Center and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering integrate the unique capabilities of the Wall of Wind™ and the Titan America Structures Lab. This holistic approach to wind testing gives FIU’s clients access to unique technical expertise and capabilities to improve their products and services. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
WOW.FIU.EDU
Direct test inquiries either online at wow@fiu.edu or contact: Erik Salna, Associate Director International Hurricane Research Center 305-348-1146
WOW.FIU.EDU