|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
The Air-Tight sudden impact IG system from Glasslam |
|
 |
|
Create an Identity |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
The Latest...
AAMA Meeting to Feature
Hurricane Simulator Demonstration
A live, full-scale demonstration of the University of Florida’s new hurricane simulator will highlight the national fall conference of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association next week. The simulator is designed to show the real-world effects of hurricane-force winds and wind-driven rain on a structure, enabling researchers to learn more about how hurricanes damage real homes and how to modify windows, doors, walls and other building materials to best prevent that damage.
Said to be the world’s largest portable simulator of its kind, the apparatus is mounted on a trailer and composed of eight 5-foot-high industrial fans powered by four marine engines that collectively produce 2,800 horsepower. It is designed to blast building mock-ups with winds of up to 130 mph—Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale—and high-pressure water jets that mimic torrential wind-driven rain up to 35 inches/hour.
Video showing the simulator is available on the University of Florida’s Web site (click here).
 Dr. Forrest Masters, assistant professor of civil and coastal engineering at the University of Florida, who heads up the hurricane simulator project will lead the demonstration and discuss how tests are performed and how they lead to better understanding of hurricanes and their impact on buildings.
AAMA is one of the supporters of the research project and Rich Walker, the organization’s president and CEO, will discuss how the industry will benefit from these efforts. “The information gathered will help us ensure performance of the windows, doors and wall assemblies under real-world hurricane conditions, and ultimately, protect more people and properties from costly damages,” he states.
AAMA’s fall conference is being held October 14-17 at J.W. Marriott Grande Lakes Resort in Orlando, Fla. The demonstration, opened to meeting attendees, building code officials and the media, is scheduled for October 16 at 5 p.m. It will be held in a field across from the hotel’s tennis courts. More information about the meeting is available at www.aamanet.org.
Questions? Comments? Email us and share your thoughts...
|
|
|
|
