The NHERI Wall of Wind (WOW) Experimental Facility (EF) at Florida International University (FIU) was funded by NSF to be a national facility that enables researchers to better understand wind effects on civil infrastructure systems and to prevent wind hazards from becoming community disasters.
The NHERI WOW EF is powered by a combined 12-fan system capable of repeatable testing in up to 157 mph wind speeds through its flow management system. The unique advantage of the NHERI WOW EF is multi-scale (full-scale to ~1:50) and high Reynolds number simulation of the effects of wind and wind-driven rain. This is accomplished using the twelve fans and a water spray system.
In addition, the 16,000 sqft. fenced-off secure area enables researchers to plan and perform destructive tests for up to Category 5 Hurricane wind speeds. The NHERI WOW EF uses a wide range of equipment, instrumentation, and experimental simulation protocols, as well as a distinguished group of faculty, staff, and a well-trained team comprised of technical and operations personnel that allow for the delivery of world-class research.
Learn more about the impact of the NSF NHERI Wall of Wind Facility, from securing elevated homes, to mitigating damage and harnessing wind.
In 2005, the FIU International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) developed the 2-fan mobile Wall of Wind, which used two 450 HP gasoline engines to generate 120 mph winds and included a water-injection system to simulate horizontal rain. Tests were done on light commercial roofs, barrel tile roofs, and rainwater intrusion under eaves.
In 2007, the larger RenaissanceRe 6-fan Wall of Wind (sponsored by RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.) used six 500 HP gasoline engines with the ability to simulate hurricane wind characteristics and engulf large-scale structures. It had the capability of generating 125 mph wind speeds with wind-driven rain in a realistic simulation of hurricane wind and rain interactions with buildings.
In 2012, the current 12-fan Wall of Wind was developed, and uses twelve fans, each powered by a 700 HP electric motor, for a total of 8,400 HP for the entire system. This large-scale hurricane research and testing facility is capable of reaching Category 5 wind speeds of 157 mph and can also be supplemented with wind-driven rain. The mean and turbulence wind parameters, closely matching hurricane characteristics, are achieved through the application of a special flow management device.