Using Real-World Science to Replicate Extreme Weather on Full-Scale Building Systems

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Research Center is a unique, state-of-the-art, multi-risk applied research and training facility on a 90-acre parcel of land in Chester County, South Carolina, approximately 45 minutes south of the Charlotte Airport. This facility is advancing building science by enabling researchers to more fully and accurately evaluate various residential and commercial construction materials and systems. This facility is a tangible, very public demonstration of the property insurance industry's deep commitment to reducing and preventing losses that disrupt the lives of millions of home and business owners each year. IBHS' scientific research will influence residential and commercial structural design and construction for decades to come.

The Research Center is a quantum leap forward for building science because it enables researchers to, for the first time, test full-scale one- and two-story residential and commercial building specimens and systems. Testing programs involve highly realistic replications of real-world, potentially disastrous events, such as high winds, wind-driven rain, hail, and wildfires. The lab's ability to completely engulf full-scale 1,200 sq. ft. to 2,400 sq. ft. buildings in various types of realistic “storms” allows holistic testing of building systems in ways that have never been possible before.

This presentation by Ian Giammanco, Ph.D., Lead Research Meteorologist at the IBHS Research Center, will allow attendees to:

· learn how the IBHS test chamber recreates realistic Category 1, 2 and 3 hurricanes, extra-tropical windstorms, wind-driven rain conditions and strong thunderstorm frontal winds.

· experience videos of realistic examples of hurricanes, wildfires, hail storms and wind-driven rain demonstrations from the IBHS test chamber.

· understand how innovative instrumentation is utilized to better understand the impact of extreme weather on our building systems.

· learn how IBHS is developing real world, cost-effective solutions that will make communities stronger and more resilient.

· find out how to work more closely with the IBHS Research Center to utilize its facility, research, and experts for use in broadcast and online segments.