Case Studies of Roofing and Cladding Failures Involving Internal Pressurization

摘要

This paper will present the methods of evaluation utilized, as well as the results, of several forensic investigations involving the building envelopes of three different buildings. These case studies will present the conditions known regarding the original design and construction, as well as the storm circumstances that led to the observed failures. Where appropriate, discussions of the construction and workmanship realized for each project will be provided. It was determined during the investigations for each building that internal pressurization most likely played a part in the cladding or roofing failures, increasing the wind pressures incurred by these structures to levels exceeding the original design and the capacities of the various construction assemblies.