Texas Tech field experiments for wind loads part 1: building and pressure measuring system

An important research facility has been constructed at Texas Tech University to study wind effects on low buildings in the field. This laboratory features many capabilities not found in past field experiments, and presents tremendous new learning opportunities. The facility is being used to pursue research in wind loads on building surfaces, internal pressures, performance of roofing in wind environment, and ventilation and exhaust studies around the building. The paper includes sufficient detail on the test building and pressure measuring system to permit researchers in physical and analytical modeling to make appropriate comparisons with the field measured data.