Large-Scale Experimentation Using the 12-Fan Wall of Wind to Assess and Mitigate Hurricane Wind and Rain Impacts on Buildings and Infrastructure Systems

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.