From The Conversation · Arindam Chowdhury · · 1m 20s
Mobile homes tested in hurricane winds
Researchers found mobile homes fail at anchor points during high winds, but new designs could make affordable housing safer.
In brief
Researchers found mobile homes fail at anchor points during high winds, but new designs could make affordable housing safer. Mobile homes tested in hurricane-force winds showed anchoring failures, but new designs can improve safety without raising costs. Originally reported by The Conversation.
Mobile homes tested in hurricane winds
Hurricane-force winds from the Wall of Wind test facility rolled mobile homes, showing where their anchoring systems fail.
Test conditions
The wind roared at 110 miles per hour (177 kph) with dust swirling through the air.
Mobile home failure
The screws sheared off and the unit rolled two full revolutions before stopping.
Wall of Wind facility
Florida International University’s Wall of Wind test facility reproduces Category 5 hurricane wind speeds.
Research goal
Researchers aim to improve mobile home safety without raising costs for affordable housing.
Federal code issues
The 1988 federal building code lacks earthquake, wildfire, and tornado resistance guidance.
22 million mobile homes
Over 22 million Americans live in manufactured homes, the most common unsubsidized affordable housing.
Testing methods
Researchers tested three mobile homes with seven installation systems in spring 2026.
Key findings
Some installation systems meet federal code minimums, but many do not meet modern wind engineering standards.
New solutions
Engineers designed wind load reduction devices and improved anchoring systems to enhance safety.
The essence
Mobile homes tested in hurricane-force winds showed anchoring failures, but new designs can improve safety without raising costs.
