When testing metal products for rare but potentially disastrous weather situations, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, scientists hope to replicate the conditions as close as possible to get the most accurate results.
Now, thanks to a team at Texas A&M University, companies can test how their product would hold up in an F5 tornado in the safety of the laboratory.
The Texas A&M Engineering Extension (TEEX) Service reported that it recently collaborated with Storm Resistant Systems to put together a system that could generate the wind speeds and conditions of such a weather anomaly. The project was located at the university’s High Bay Structural and Materials Testing Laboratory, where winds from three separate directions were able to replicate near-perfect F5 conditions.
The system has generated a new seal of approval, the TEEX Tested symbol, which certifies products have gone through the rigorous testing process.
The advancements that have been made in testing products for their ability to stand up to tornado-force winds have led to safer buildings, and ultimately saved lives. The improved processes have also brought down costs due to property damage significantly, according to architectural and fenestration service company HTL.