B_0711_Newsworthy6_hurricane_design

Better Buildings Can Withstand Extreme Weather

July 5, 2011

Building shapes, roof types, and construction materials may make the difference between damage and progressive structural failure, according to Rima Taher, an expert in the design of low-rise buildings for extreme winds and hurricanes.

Many of the disaster preparation features Taher recommends for homes can also help protect commercial buildings. Square, hexagonal, or octagonal floor plans paired with roofs of multiple slopes, such as a four-sloped hip roof, hold up better under heavy wind than two-sloped gable roofs, which are common because they're inexpensive to build, says Taher, an engineer and university lecturer at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. A 30-degree roof slope offers the best results.

Connect roofs to walls with nails instead of staples and hurricane clips, she adds. This will anchor the roof more securely during extreme winds, which cause strong uplifting forces on roofs.

"This explains why roofs blow off during extreme wind events," Taher says.

Strong connections between the structure and foundation are also vital, since the failure of one structural element can trigger the collapse of another element.

In hurricane-prone areas, Taher discourages the use of tile roofs because tiles can tear off and become wind-borne debris that damages other buildings. Roof overhangs should be 20 inches or less to cut down on the building's vulnerability to uplift.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Building Better Schools

Download this digital resource to better understand the challenges and opportunities in designing and operating educational facilities for safety, sustainability, and performance...

Tips to Keep Facility Management on Track

How do you plan to fill the knowledge gap as seasoned facility managers retire or leave for new opportunities? Learn about the latest strategies including FM tech innovations ...

The Beauty & Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Built Environment

Biophilic design is a hot trend in design, but what is it and how can building professionals incorporate these strategies for the benefits of occupants? This eHandbook offers ...

The Benefits of Migrating from Analog to DMR Two-Way Radios

Are you still using analog two-way radios? Download this white paper and discover the simple and cost-effective migration path to digital DMR radios that deliver improved audio...