Go inside the IBHS Research Center and learn more about the testing agenda and capabilities.

2. IBHS Research Center
Campus

3. IBHS Research Center
Campus

4. IBHS Research Center
Test Facility Fly-Through

5. IBHS Research Center
Construction Progress

6. IBHS Research Center
Construction Progress
November 2009

7. IBHS Research Center
Construction Progress
November 2009

8. IBHS Research Center
Construction Progress

9. IBHS Research Center
Construction Progress

10. IBHS Research Center
Construction Progress

11. IBHS Research Center
Capabilities
1:10 scale model tests
have demonstrated
capability to simulate:
– variation in mean wind
speed with height
– gust structure of field
measured hurricane
winds
– Full-scale wind pressure
distributions on buildings

12. Simulated Mean Velocity Profile
and Turbulence Intensity
42
Target Curve of U/Uref for Open Country
z0=0.013
36
Target Curve of TI for Open Country
z0=0.013
30
U/Uref Measured
Height (in)
24 TI Measured
18
12
6
0
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2

13. Simulated Wind Record

14. Simulated Wind Pressure Distribution
TTU Building Model

15. Comparison of Full-Scale and
Model Mean Pressures
Pressure Tap 50501
2
1 Full-Scale Model 1:10
0
-1
-2
-3
-4
45 90 135 180 225 270 315 360
Wind Direction
2
Pressure Tap 50205
1 Full-Scale Model 1:10
0
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5
45 90 135 180 225 270 315 360
Wind Direction

16. Multi-Peril Research Agenda
• Wind
• Fire
• Hail
• Rain

17. Multi-Peril Research Agenda
• Wind
– Identify strengths and weaknesses of current
test standards vs. full 3-D testing
– Develop relationships between current test
standards and full 3-D testing; explore ways
to improve standards
– Validate & extend IBHS sponsored research
at UF & FIU, focus on ability of exposed
underlayments to resist effects of high winds
– Initiate research on how aging affects roof
cover and underlayment performance in
high winds
– With industry associations: explore & assess
cost-effective methods for improving
performance of various roofing systems

18. Multi-Peril Research Agenda
• Fire
– Develop methodologies to simulate full-scale wind-driven ember/
firebrand and flame attacks for typical residential and
commercial structures
– Work with ASTM committee and NIST on evaluation /
improvement of test standards for determining roof venting
systems vulnerability to wind-borne firebrand intrusion
– If funded by NIST: Develop rapid deployment instrumentation
system to monitor wildfire spread through communities and work
with fire services to implement deployment of systems in
advance of wind-driven wildfire

19. Multi-Peril Research Agenda
• Hail
– Work with FM Global to evaluate/replicate new hail simulation
technology and adapt it for use in IBHS test facility
– Simulate wind-driven hail events and evaluate associated
damage to roof covers and siding products
– Evaluate current test methods for determining impact resistance
of roofing products and work to establish test methods for
evaluating siding products
– Identify cost-effective product/construction details for mitigating
hail damage and losses

20. Multi-Peril Research Agenda
• Wind Driven Rain (water intrusion)
– Validate & extend IBHS sponsored research at UF & FIU, focus on
the ability of exposed underlayments to resist water intrusion
– Identify/assess other methods for providing back-up water
intrusion protection when primary roof cover is damaged
– Identify ways to limit water intrusion through roof venting systems
– Provide second party validation & extend UF research into water
intrusion through fenestration systems (systems and installation)
– Evaluate current test standards for water intrusion (Florida TAS
100A)

21. IBHS Research Center
Opportunities for Use
• Collaborative research projects are
welcome
• Expected usage fees:
– $2000/day of test chamber
occupancy
– $1000/hr of fan operation
• Project selection and priorities by
IBHS Research Advisory Council
• Intellectual Property Rights subject
to state and federal restrictions
• Memorandums of Understanding
between IBHS & each collaborative
organization

23. IBHS Research Center
Questions?