Hurricane Research Centers Investigate Storm Resistant Construction Methods

Florida International University will open the International Hurricane Research Center in Miami in summer of 2008. The facility will consist of a steel warehouse large enough to contain a two-story house and a large wind and rain machine. Aimed at developing storm-proof building technologies, the facility will enable scientists to destroy houses within a controlled environment to study how construction methods and building materials perform in extreme storm conditions. The project is funded in part by a $700,000 annual grant from the Florida Department of Emergency Management. The research findings may be used to shape new building codes, and video footage of the tests will be utilized to demonstrate to the public and to legislators the necessity of quality construction. Additionally, the University of Florida has developed a wind and rain simulator at the Powell Family Structures and Materials Laboratory that is capable of producing over 100 mph winds.