Testing for Wind Forces on Mobile Homes
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Published:1980
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This paper reports on a series of wind tunnel tests conducted in 1961 at The University of Michigan using models of mobile homes. The objective of the research was to develop an understanding of the magnitude of wind forces on mobile homes and to make recommendations for securing these units against high winds. The paper reviews these tests and recommendations and suggests further full-scale evaluations which could lead to increased economy in anchoring mobile home units, increased reliability of the anchoring system, and greater safety assurance.
The research resulted in sets of manometer readings which were reduced by computer to obtain characteristic lift and drag coefficients caused by winds acting on the unit from eight directions. Anchorage requirements were computed and a recommended wind velocity-anchorage curve was developed. Nomographs were prepared relating anchorage requirements and soil conditions.
Subsequent analysis of the data in 1975 showed that the 1961 results may be applied to current mobile home units without serious error.
The paper concludes with a discussion of major considerations for a full-scale testing program to verify the results and recommendations from the wind tunnel tests.