Structural Solutions for the Design of a "Cyclonic”or Hurricane Resisting Home Adapted to Simple Construction Methods

Abstract

This current research is based on and directly linked to a prior research entitled: "Wind Loads and Architectural Design - Application to Tropical Cyclonic Dwelling”, carried out at CSTB, Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bí¢timent (Center for Building Science and Technology),and presented at the Tenth International Conference on Wind Engineering at Copenhagen, Denmark, by Jacques Gandemer and Sophie Hélary-Moreau from the Department of Aerodynamics and Climatic Engineering, at the CSTB Research Center of Nantes, France. In the actual research, the author from the New Jersey School of Architecture is cooperating with the above named french researchers from CSTB, regarding the design of a "cyclonic” or hurricane resisting home. In the prior research, and in order to study the influence of architectural forms on wind loads, home models of different configurations were extensively tested in the sophisticated wind tunnel facility at CSTB. As a result of their extensive testing and research, CSTB researchers provided different architectural interpretations of aerodynamic concepts, and some practical architectural applications of research findings.They ultimately developed a concept of a "cyclonic dwelling”, that would function more efficiently under wind loads in a hurricane environment. The proposed cyclonic home incorporates aerodynamic features and systems designed to reduce loads and pressures due to extreme winds. The current research, in cooperation with CSTB, is supposed to complete some other aspects of the design of this cyclonic home, by looking mainly into the structural and construction aspects. In a first phase, the author's work focused on the analysis of damages caused to structures by high winds and hurricanes, by studying the main findings of post-disaster investigations carried out both in the United States and abroad, including the French overseas territories. It is important to remember that damages from hurricanes and windstorm events currently represent a loss of several billions of dollars in the US. A loss estimate of $30 billion was attributed to Hurricane Andrew alone. A comparative study of research results obtained by CSTB researchers and researchers elsewhere, regarding the influence of architectural forms on wind loads was also completed. The research work is currently focused on developing structural solutions for the design of this cyclonic home. These solutions should adapt to a modular architecture and simple construction methods. Economical issues and construction costs impacts will also be examined. This research will represent a contribution toward improving our understanding of the complex wind effects on buildings and structures. It will also help in applying research findings, and in using our knowledge in this area to improve the quality of design and construction to resist wind hazards