Newswise — WIND LOAD TEST FACILITY:Clemson University's Wind Load Test Facility is one of the nation's top laboratories for the study of wind effects on low-rise structures. Current research compares wind tunnel data with full-scale measurements of wind loads on residential structures in suburban areas collected during recent hurricanes. Clemson researchers use the facility to better understand the effects of wind on building envelope systems of low-rise buildings and to develop low-cost, off-the-shelf solutions to protect homes, essential facilities and schools from severe wind damage or structural failures. Missile impact tests and standard pressure tests are used to establish the ultimate failure capacities of light-frame wood and light-gauge metal construction and on commercial roofing systems.
SPANNING HURRICANE SURGE: Bridges affected during Hurricane Katrina showed movement similar to what happens in an earthquake, says Clemson civil engineer Bryant Nielson. Nielson toured the ravaged area with a national group examining roadways and bridges. The group noted that bridge decks shifted laterally to their supporting piers, which is what is usually seen during earthquakes. Nielson says retrofitting bridges to accommodate seismic loads may be the answer to bridges standing up to hurricanes as well as earthquakes.
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