Abstract
This paper describes a new full-scale testing apparatus for conducting performance evaluations of full-scale building envelope systems. The simulator can generate spatially uniform, time-varying pressure conditions associated with Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale Category 5 winds while compensating for large air leakage through the specimen and also operate a high-speed wind tunnel, both with dynamic control. This paper presents system details, operating characteristics, and an early case study on the performance of large sectional door systems under wind pressure loading. Failure mechanisms are discussed, and finite element modeling is validated for two specimens. It demonstrates successful dynamic load control for large component and cladding systems, as well as simulation of flows near the building surface. These capabilities serve to complement other full-scale wind tunnel facilities by offering tools to generate ultimate load conditions on portions of the building. Further, the paper successfully demonstrates the utility of combining physical testing and computational analysis as a matter of routine, which underscores the potential of evolving full-scale testing to encompass cyber-physical approaches.
Highlights
Damage to building envelope components can lead to adverse internal pressurization and water ingress (Minor, 2005; Gurley and Masters, 2011)
The wind load simulator was inspired by the BRERWULF system developed at the British Research Establishment (Cook et al, 1988) and its successor, the pressure loading actuator (PLA) system developed by Kopp et al (2010) at the University of Western Ontario ( Western University)
This paper presents a new large-scale dynamic wind pressure simulator developed at the University of Florida
Summary
Damage to building envelope components (e.g., windows, roofs, and doors) can lead to adverse internal pressurization and water ingress (Minor, 2005; Gurley and Masters, 2011). Despite the widespread use of standardized testing methods, numerous post-storm damage assessments have found recurring patterns of damage across a wide spectrum of product types (FEMA, 2005; Ginger et al, 2007; Gurley and Masters, 2011; Kopp et al, 2012). These observations underscore the need for new diagnostic tools to validate the performance of component and cladding in high wind regions. A case study demonstrating its utility in investigating the performance of building components and cladding under extreme loads is presented, which includes complementary finite element analysis (FEA)
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