The Need for an Improved Wind Engineering Curriculum to Address Natural Disasters

Abstract

The field of wind science and engineering (WSE) in relation to civil engineering (CE) applications is still considered relatively young and thus has been taught only for about 50 years in some academic institutions. Therefore, it is unsurprising that there are limited wind engineering (WE) tracks within CE programs worldwide, and no semblance of a standard or ideal curricula. An adequate education in WE is paramount to future structural and civil engineers, and ultimately to academia, because natural disasters including extreme wind events have the capability to destroy our infrastructure systems, as well as threaten people’s lives and well-being. The goal of this research is to identify and propose an ideal path for WE tracks within CE that not only enhances the quality of education, but also provides equitable learning opportunities and promotes diversity and workforce inclusion. To achieve this goal, this research (1) analyzed the different CE programs that include WE tracks offered in the US, Canada, and Europe; (2) identified the academic institutions that have academic expertise and equipment critical to the study and investigation of wind events, such as atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) wind tunnels; (3) conducted a survey of all WE faculty and students doing research on these topics at Florida International University to gather information on the courses offered as well as information on what they believe could be offered or improved to enhance the curricula; (4) compared the programs that include WE tracks to provide a modernized WE curricula; and (5) proposed ideas, tools, and strategies that can be implemented to provide better curricula for students in order to enhance their education and increase research in this paramount topic, as well as ensure equitable quality education that presents equal opportunities for all.