Wind Uplift Pressure Tests of Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels

 
Principal Investigator: Dr. David O. Prevatt
Graduate Student: Craig Dixon
The motivation for this study is the continuing debate into the applicability of uniform, static test protocols to evaluate the uplift capacity of building components. The wind generates highly variable pressures that fluctuate in time and in space on building surfaces. Failures of metal roof systems continue to be observed in the recent hurricanes, 2004 to present, and many systems fail in wind speed events below their design capacity. Current laboratory test procedures are not able to simulate the spatial/temporal pressure variations observed in real wind storms, and in wind tunnel studies. Previous research (i.e. BRERWULF at Clemson University and electromagnetic tests at Mississippi State) was unable to fully replicate the spatial and temporal variability of actual wind pressures.

A new test system, the Pressure Loading Actuator developed by the University of Western Ontario promises to significantly advances the laboratory simulation of wind pressures and will advance understanding of the behavior of standing seam metal roofing systems.

Updates
  • The 12′ x 24′ steel and 1/2″ thick polycarbonate sheet test chamber construction is complete.
  • Three test specimens are now on site and plans are currently being generated.