Full-scale measurements on a low-rise structure

A low-rise structure in Southern Shores, North Carolina has been instrumented to collect wind load and structural resistance data in a variety of wind conditions up to and including hurricane-force winds. The system measures weather parameters (i.e., wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, rainfall, and temperature), wind-induced pressures on the exterior of the structure, internal pressure fluctuations, structural displacements, and strains in structural members. Over two thousand data sets have been collected since the October, 1997 system installation. Much of the data collected to date are from the passage of frontal systems, but two significant wind events, a Northeaster in February, 1998 and Hurricane Bonnie in August, 1998, have been captured. This paper will provide a description of the fundamental components of the measurement system. In addition, meteorological and wind pressure data collected during Bonnie will be presented.