Hurricane Damage on Galveston'S West Beach

Abstract

Hurricane Alicia came onshore during the morning of August 18, 1983, and caused significant damage to wood‐framed, elevated, waterfront construction on Galveston Island. Although the hurricane was moderate in nature (category 3 on the Saffir‐Simpson Hurricane Scale), significant damage occurred. This paper examines the damage and outlines possible causes of the damage in the wood‐framed structures on Galveston Island, in particular those structures in the West Beach area. The primary weakness appears to be the connection details. Similar damage caused by other hurricanes has been reported in the past. Current building codes for this type of construction are reviewed. Possible supplements to the codes to help minimize similar damage in the future are presented.