Damage and losses in engineered buildings from wind and rain

Recent severe weather events such as tropical cyclones and storms have resulted in significant financial loss in terms of cost of rebuilding or repair and loss of function of property (e.g. commercial activity, rental, relocation of residents, etc.). However, the corresponding damage investigations, for example by the Cyclone Testing Station, have estimated that the wind speeds in these events were less than the Australian building standard's design level wind speed for the regions impacted. Investigations of damaged buildings along with analysis of claims data reveals a high proportion of the losses are associated with contemporary construction. This raises questions as to appropriateness of our building construction and/or engineering de-sign practices. Details will be presented on observed damage to multi-storey buildings with wind damage to the upper storey roofs, fascia, soffits and flashings as well as their roof top mounted equipment (air-conditioning plant, vents, HVAC, etc.). These failures of the building envelope led to exacerbated water in-gress damage to multiple units.

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ACMSM24: 24th Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials

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978-1-351-85021-4

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