Holistic testing to determine quantitative wind-driven rain intrusion for shuttered and impact resistant windows

Abstract

Tropical storms are usually associated with heavy rainfall. The interaction between rain and wind during such tropical storms affect various components of a building façade. The amount of water intrusion from wind-driven rain (WDR) can cause damage to the interior contents of the building and might affect the durability of the building. To study and mitigate the impacts of WDR on structures, a test-based WDR intrusion model was developed by the team at the Wall of Wind (WOW) Experimental Facility. Shutter systems are commonly implemented in hurricane-prone zones to mitigate possible breach of building envelope against extreme winds and wind-borne debris. There is very little information on the quantity of water intrusion that is prevented (if any) by the presence of these shutters. This study focusses on rain intrusion quantification into a window configuration, with and without accordion shutter. An impact-resistant window was also tested. The tests were conducted at three different wind speeds, 28 ​m/s, 35 ​m/s and 61 ​m/s corresponding to tropical storm, non-major, and major hurricane, respectively, considering the effects of wind direction and storm duration. Results showed that the water intrusion was reduced by 77–87% for shuttered windows compared to windows without any protection. These results might help validate or enhance the existing risk assessment models.