Development of Vulnerability Functions for Industrial/Petrochemical Facilities due to Extreme Winds and Hurricanes

摘要

This paper presents research progress for a model currently under development to predict vulnerability of existing industrial structures to hurricanes and extreme winds. Utilizing a study of industry practices and design recommendations, a statistical distribution that models the design of existing facilities has been developed. This distribution was then converted iato an expectation of damage in the form of a vulnerability function. A case study illustrates usage of this developed methodology for the heavily industrialized and hurricane-prone area of New Orleans, Louisiana. The case study is presented in GIS format, which augments physical and spatial understanding of the possible impacts that may occur due to industrial structural failure under extreme wind conditions.