Roof and Wall Vents Study under Simulated Hurricane Winds

Authors

Peeyush S. Kawade, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Major/Program

Civil Engineering

First Advisor's Name

Arindam Gan Chowdhury

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Girma Bitsuamlak

Third Advisor's Name

Nakin Suksawang

Keywords

Hurricane, Wall of wind, 6- fan wall of wind, International Hurricane research centre, Different type of Vents, Roof Structure, Loads on Wall and Vents, Drag Coefficient, Lift Coefficient.

Date of Defense

12-9-2009

Abstract

Ventilation might seem like a minor consideration, but when properly installed, it can extend the life of the attic and roof structure of residential buildings saving huge dollar amounts in repair costs. The objectives of this study were to measure the wind effect on different kind of vents as the problem is vents are subjected to high wind loads during hurricane events and often fail causing water penetration and damage of interior contents. Wind-induced failure of rooftop vents during a hurricane may result in large openings in the roof that will allow water to penetrate into the building, a puncturing of the roof membrane, again allowing water infiltration, and detached rooftop vents can pose considerable threats as windborne debris. The study found that water infiltration through a vent system is dependent upon the differential pressure as well as the vent mechanism. For vents experiencing higher differential pressures, vent covers can be used during storms to reduce water infiltration. Active controls can also be designed to close the vents automatically as differential pressure increases based on the wind speed and wind angle of attack.

Identifier

FI10081216

Recommended Citation

Kawade, Peeyush S., "Roof and Wall Vents Study under Simulated Hurricane Winds" (2009). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 255.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/255