Aerodynamics of manufactured homes and community interference effects
Article
Tolera, AB, Estephan, J, Adamu, YB et al. (2026). Aerodynamics of manufactured homes and community interference effects
. Journal of Building Engineering, 134 10.1016/j.jobe.2026.117654
Tolera, AB, Estephan, J, Adamu, YB et al. (2026). Aerodynamics of manufactured homes and community interference effects
. Journal of Building Engineering, 134 10.1016/j.jobe.2026.117654
This study investigates the aerodynamic performance of manufactured homes (MH) under simulated wind flows, utilizing large-scale wind tunnel experiments conducted at the Wall of Wind Experimental Facility (WOW EF) at Florida International University (FIU). A manufactured home is a structure built entirely in a controlled factory environment, designed to be transportable, and built on a permanent chassis. The research focuses on understanding the wind loading effects on both isolated and grouped MH configurations, reflecting typical community layouts in Florida. A total of 21 test configurations were analyzed, with pressure taps installed on various surfaces of the MH models to measure wind-induced pressures and forces. The findings reveal critical insights into the spatial wind pressure distribution, highlighting that near corner and leading-edge roof pressures on the isolated MH may exceed the design provisions outlined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by up to 195% for Wind Zone II and 227% for Wind Zone III. The results underscore the importance of incorporating these findings into HUD design standards to enhance the resilience of manufactured homes against hurricane impacts. Additionally, shielding effects from neighboring units (both full and partial shielding) were investigated with certain community layouts exhibiting responses comparable to the isolated MH.
