FIU, which began building the Wall of Wind two years ago, estimates the next phases will cost about $5 million because a permanent structure is needed to house the wind machine and test materials.

Leatherman ultimately expects two facilities, one to house the six-fan machine and a much larger one for an 18-fan model that could be used to pound an entire house with hurricane-force winds.

FIU is negotiating with Miami-Dade County for a donation of five now-vacant acres at the Homestead Air Reserve Base for these facilities.

Earlier this year, the Wall of Wind took a road trip to rural Polk County. Its mission was to pelt 120 mph winds and driving rain on a home built before the first statewide building code was adopted in 1994. The vacant 1970s ranch house didn't hold up well: Shingles and tar paper flew off the roof, and windows buckled and shattered.

VITAL INFORMATION

Since the majority of homes in Florida were built before the current stronger building codes were adopted, wind research will provide vital information on weaknesses in older homes.

''This work will better define our building codes and building materials in the future,'' said Kurt Gurley, an associate professor of civil engineering at the University of Florida.

Previous research done by Gurley and his UF colleagues has shown that homes built under the most recent building code stood up better to the four 2004 hurricanes than homes built under the first code adopted after Hurricane Andrew hit South Miami-Dade in 1992.

''We want to quantify how much you reduce your vulnerability to wind with various retrofits so that people can weigh their options,'' said Gurley.

FIU graduate student Collette Blessing is researching whether roofs can be modifed in certain ways to make them more aerodynamic. Blessing's research may show that roof corners or edges should be rounded.

Another student, Ivan Canino, who is working on his doctorate in civil engineering, hopes the Wall of Wind will yield some hints on ways to better attach air-conditioning units and other equipment usually stationed on rooftops. Many condo buildings lost A/C units during Wilma.

''It's been a learning experience all around,'' says Leatherman.