Hurricanes: How Can Buildings Survive?
Hurricanes are one of the most destructive natural disasters. For example, Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas in 2017 caused $125 billion in damage. Not only was there financial damage to worry about but also buildings and home destructions. Why do hurricanes cause so much damage?
Wind from hurricanes affect buildings in different ways and depends on what part of the building it is hitting. If hitting a wall, the wind will cause the wall to feel pressure inward and cause the building to collapse in on itself. How can engineers and architects work to avoid such damages from hurricanes?
One of the most effective ways would be for architects to design buildings to work with those forces of nature rather than against them. This can be done by done by using aerodynamic designs such as reinforced trusses, connectors, straps, reinforcements, and mold-resistant components. These designs are able to prevent any damage or penetration from wind, rain, or storm debris.
When constructing the roof of a house or building, the most safe design would be a circular shape, as it is able to prevent the pressure from winds to build up on the building. Using oversized truss hangers to attach to the roof fully anchors and connects the roof to the walls. When metal reinforcing straps are tied to the roof, the overall foundation of the building is able to maintain stability when being acted upon by winds or earthquakes. Installing hydrostatic vents are great for hurricanes as well since they are able to unlatch when floodwater needs to be drained.
Simple design changes like these aerodynamic components can save so many buildings and homes during destructive hurricanes. Engineers and architects can come together and improve so many lives when constructing buildings in coastal areas.
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