MIAMI – What if I told you that you can recreate the worst, most severe hurricane winds with the push of a button?
That’s what scientists at Florida International University in Miami set out to do a decade ago, creating the ‘Wall of Wind.’
Since opening in 2012, the Wall of Wind has helped researchers better understand how hurricanes work and also develop ways to protect people and property.
“It’s as close to what Mother Nature creates in the real world in terms of a hurricane wind,” said Erik Salna, the associate director for education and outreach at Florida International University.
How Does It Work?
The facility consists of 12 massive jet fans that are taller than the person operating them. They’re capable of producing 150 mph winds, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane.
When running, the system draws 5MW of electricity, enough to power 2,000 homes that surround the research facility nestled in the middle of Miami.
The Wall of Wind facility features sophisticated engineering that goes beyond simple wind generation.
Tall spires and floor flaps create realistic turbulence patterns that mimic actual hurricane conditions.
The system can even simulate wind-driven rain of up to 18 inches an hour, providing researchers with comprehensive data about how structures perform under various storm conditions.
Advancing Hurricane-Resistant Architecture
While the Wall of Wind has the power to destroy just about anything put in front of the fans, their goal is to understand how that happens and develop ways to prevent buildings and infrastructure from crumbling in strong hurricane winds.
“The whole purpose is to test structures for their resilience,” Salna said. “How can we build better, build stronger, and enhance building codes across the nation.”
The facility’s impact on construction standards has been substantial over the past decade, influencing everything from residential homes to skyscrapers, and even critical infrastructure like power lines and traffic signals.
“Our aim is to reduce the impact of disasters on communities,” says Professor Amal Elawady, who conducts research at the facility.
The testing environment allows scientists to collect precise data about how different structures and materials respond to hurricane-force winds.
While KPRC 2 was visiting the facility, tests were being conducted on solar-covered parking canopies.
The wind tunnel is used to gather pressure ratings of different construction styles to determine which is the most resistant to high winds.
Strengthening Safety Standards
The research conducted at the Wall of Wind has already led to significant improvements in building codes, particularly for residential structures.
“The Wall of Wind has contributed significantly to updating building codes and standards for low-rise buildings, specifically roofing components,” Professor Elawady said.
These improvements help designers create roofs that better withstand extreme hurricane forces.
The economic impact of these innovations is substantial.
With roof replacements often costing tens of thousands of dollars, the improved building standards can save millions of dollars in a single neighborhood during a major storm event.
“The more we understand the wind and structure interaction, how the wind is interacting with the built and natural environment, the better we prepare for future events,” Professor Elawady noted. “This leads to safer communities in the future.”
The research team’s ultimate goal extends beyond individual structures.
Their work also extends beyond hurricanes. After the 2024 Houston derech last May, the team from the Wall of Wind probed into how the Houston skyline was impacted by the winds.
“Bottom line, we need to make all our communities across the nation more resilient,” Salna said.
