Hurricane and Tornados - building for wind

Started by John Raabe, September 13, 2011, 03:01:59 PM

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John Raabe

I have added a new article to the main CountryPlans website. There is more information in a link to a free PDF publication of the APA.

http://www.countryplans.com/tornado.html

Let me know your thoughts and comments.



John Raabe
None of us are as smart as all of us.

MountainDon

#1
I think that is a worthy article.

No matter where one lives or builds I believe there is a lot to be said for implementing much of what the APA Publication M310, Building For High Wind Resistance, advocates. It is interesting to note the recommended nailing schedule for structural sheathing. 8D common nails, 4" spacing on edges and 6" in the field. That's more than the minimum listed in the IRC but likely cheap insurance. The wind maps show virtually anywhere in the USA can be subject to 90 mph, 3 second gusts.

I also think it very worthwhile for us all to very carefully think out our foundation plan when contemplating pier and beam. A foundation not only needs to resist uplift but at some time or another may be called on to resist those 90 mph gusts. Refer to the wind maps in the IRC Section 3. Many areas in the western mountains have the notation "special wind region" as local conditions can be quite variable, means there may be a good chance of higher winds. My place in the Jemez is listed as being "special"..


ED: made a correction. I had used the term CS (Case Study) to note the "special wind region". CS is the term used for the snow loads tables/maps.   MD


Just because something has been done and has not failed, doesn't mean it is good design.


John Raabe

Some photos and additional information I found.

Slab house stripped down to foundation.


Path of May 2007 storm in Greensburg, Kansas. A direct hit such as this can be devastating to even the best built houses. In
areas such as this a traditional safe room built into the ground may provide the most complete protection.

http://www.ehow.com/how_6821654_build-emergency-underground-shelter.html - article on
building a concrete block shelter.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4913165_build-underground-tornado-shelter.html - article on using a
steel shipping container for an earth covered shelter.
None of us are as smart as all of us.

John Raabe

#3
What are the chances of dying in a storm? How does it compare to other risks? A reasonable question to ask, is it not? Life in general is filled with calculated risks we choose to take. Every time we get in the car or board a plane we are counting on being one of the lucky ones who end up at the desired destination.

Here an interesting article on just such statistics...


http://flatrock.org.nz/topics/environment/tornado_season_underway.htm
None of us are as smart as all of us.