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Windy Conditions No Cause for Worry with Reinforced
Masonry
Walls constructed using masonry units, steel reinforcement, and
grout are strong. When high winds occur, reinforced masonry buildings
resist the pressures and flying debris that can knock down or damage
less robust construction.
CSU’s Hurricane Season 2007
 Faculty
from Colorado State University predict the 2007 hurricane season
will be busier than an average season based on the period from 1950
to 2000. Both the total number (9 instead of the average 5.9) and
increased intensity (Category 3 or above for 5 hurricanes instead
of the average 2.3) are above average.
Their hurricane
forecast has been upwardly revised from the prior forecast in
early December, they said, due to weather conditions they reviewed.
They pointed out two eye-opening facts:
- 2006 was only the 12th year since 1945 in which there were no
hurricane landfalls along the U.S. coastline.
- There have only been two consecutive seasons without landfalls
— 1981 to 1982 and 2000 to 2001.
No Surprises
What that means is that hurricanes and tornadoes will continue
to strike at our buildings. We can’t simply ignore the strong
winds and hope that they’ll miss us. Unless we change the
way we build—and reinforce the existing construction that
isn’t up to today’s standards—we are going to
see periodic destruction based on Mother Nature’s whims.
Reinforced concrete masonry walls can withstand high winds and protect
occupants. At a minimum, safe rooms can be built as part of the
structure to serve as shelter within the building during hurricanes
and tornadoes.
Two notable residential projects have already taken the first steps
toward storm-resistant construction:
ALYS BEACH
These fortified homes have been certified by the Institute for
Business and Home Safety (IBHS), a nonprofit organization interested
in providing disaster-resistant construction from the ground up.
HOMES BY
HER A community north of Orlando, Florida has “simple,
safe, affordable” homes by developer Kristin Beall.
For more information on storm-resistant construction, consider
the following:
Storm Resistant
Concrete Masonry Homes & Buildings, LT300
The Guide to Concrete
Masonry Residential Construction in High-Wind Areas: Recommendations
for Design and Construction, LT224
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