Windspeed Analyses of Tornadoes Based on Structural Damage

Abstract

Documentation is presented for the tornadoes of 28 June 1979 in the Iowa towns of Manson and Algona. Analyses of failed engineered and nonengineered structures are presented with an emphasis on those studies of observed damage that can form the basis of potential design recommendations intended to mitigate the destructive effects of relatively weak tornadic winds. Structural analyses leading to windspeed estimates (in the F2?3 range) at the ground level are presented, based on observation of damaged and failed structure.