Chicago Ground Hog Day 2011 Blizzard – Envision the Wind On February 1, 2011 at about 3pm, a somewhat rare occurrence took place in Chicago. A real-life blizzard! It continued for 20 hours. Contrary to the misconceptions of some, a blizzard is not distinguished by a large volume of snow, but rather by an intense and pervasive wind. In order to achieve the…
Envision the Wind in a Blizzard
Storm Damage to Windows and Glass
While Chicago, known as the “Windy City,” may not face hurricane threats like coastal regions, it is not immune to violent storms. Recent events with gusts reaching 77 mph have revealed a critical vulnerability: the resilience of our buildings’ windows. When wind turns outdoor objects into projectiles, it poses significant risks to property and human life. Hurricane experts and those who have experienced nature’s wrath…
Wind Loads and Windows for the Very Windy City
Mark Meshulam is an expert witness and consultant for wind damage to buildings. NEW: Download Chicago Window Expert’s Wind Pressure Chart and Calculator Here in the windy city, the pressure of the wind plays a big role in the specification and design of buildings, and especially the part of the envelope we like to lick: the windows and glass. When designing and testing windows, curtainwalls,…