Structural Evaluation Procedures and Case Studies of Damage Related to Wind Storms, Tornadoes, and Hurricanes

摘要

This paper will discuss structural forensic investigative procedures used to assess wind storm damage, tornado damage, and methods to differentiate between hurricane wind and storm surge damage. Several structures or facilities are considered on a case study basis to determine commonalities and differences in the types and extent of wind-related damages. In several cases, comparisons to storm surge-related damages were conducted as part of the investigation.rnThis paper will address the factors impacting the types and degree of wind-related damages exhibited by each structure. Wind forces related to hurricanes, tornadoes, and wind storm events vary in strength, duration, and directionality; however, common wind-related damages were observed as a result of the differing wind events. Though commonalities in the types of damage were observed, the extent of damage varied depending on the type of construction, quality of construction, age of the structure, and orientation of the structure to the wind forces.