SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1998
STP12092S

The Application of Local Weather Data to the Simulation of Wind-Driven Rain

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Due to the mismanagement of penetrating water, many masonry walls deteriorate long before the end of their intended life-span. The amount of penetrating water is dependent upon the permeability characteristics of the facade and the severity of wind-driven rain. Therefore, it would be useful to designers to know more precisely the environment in which their structures will be subjected, and also for investigators to have accurate means for assessing the performance of structures through the use of non-destructive water testing.

Current standards include methods for water test chamber, spray rack, and calibrated nozzle testing. Typically, these methods differ in water flow rates, impact velocity of water, air pressure differential and duration. These tests historically have not allowed the variation of testing parameters to compensate for realistic site conditions. The use of appropriate weather data can greatly improve the relevance of such testing.

This paper explores the conversion of published weather data to testing parameters which can be used to simulate weather conditions. Included is an analysis of the dynamics of rainfall and its impact on surfaces of various orientation. The analysis is based on the effects of wind speed, direction, surface orientation, and rainfall intensity. Also discussed are the appropriateness of water chamber, spray rack, and spray nozzle testing, with regards to accurate rainfall simulation.

Author Information

Galitz, CL
Whitlock Dalrymple Poston & Associates, Inc., Virginia
Whitlock, AR
Whitlock Dalrymple Poston & Associates, Inc., Virginia
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Details
Developed by Committee: E06
Pages: 17–32
DOI: 10.1520/STP12092S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5380-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-2042-6