New Wind/Rain Task Force Develops Strategy

The initial meeting of the University of Florida Fenestration/Wall Wind Driven Rain Intrusion Task force was held July 19th in Gainesville, Fla. The goal of this new task force is to "develop the most realistic and physically correct simulation of wind-driven rain conditions that affect building products in hurricane prone regions," according to the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA). Phase I of the study will concentrate on windows and the current testing standards used by the industry to measure air, water and structural performance (e.g., AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, ASTM E 330, ASTM E 331). Phase II of the study will concentrate on the physical installation of the window into masonry and wood substrates.

Dr. Forrest Masters, a University of Florida associate professor, is managing the task force. He will provide information on the hurricane-driven rain research at the University of Florida during AAMA's Southeast Region Summer Meeting, August 14-16, in St. Augustine, Fla.

Previously, Masters developed a portable hurricane simulator that uses four marine diesel engines that can produce 2,800 horsepower to run eight 5-foot-tall industrial fans. Designed to create a realistic hurricane experience, water jets in the machine simulate blowing rainfall of up to 35 inches per hour.