Large Wind Missile Impact Capacity of Residential and Light Commercial Buildings

Abstract

Past hurricanes such as Andrew and the recent spate of hurricanes in Florida and elsewhere have shown the potential and extent of structural damage due to windborne debris during such storms. The loss of building exterior envelope and the subsequent structural damage to buildings due to such debris impact can be significant. Recent building codes have incorporated wind missile impact criteria for the roof and wall assemblies of coastal buildings. In this study, typical wall and roof assemblies for Florida residential and light commercial coastal construction were identified. In conjunction with a review of prior large wind missile testing results, assemblies that are yet to be tested were tabulated. These assemblies were tested for the Florida Building Code (FBC) large wind missile impact criteria. Based on the test results, a comprehensive list of wall and roof assemblies that passed the FBC test was developed. Also recommended were assemblies that should be avoided for the construction of residential and/or light commercial buildings.