Print this page Tornado Resistant Homes
Ruben A. Gomez, P.E.
Course Outline
This material has been prepared in a rational and easy to follow sequence. We begin by pinpointing where our perception about tornadoes is wrong, what they are about, and the known methods of analysis and design.
A practical design example is presented in a comprehensive way and the pitfalls are identified along with the proposed solutions and their many alternatives. The choice of materials are given as an alternative to the traditional design wisdom which took us where we are today.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
On completion of this course, the reader should master the following areas of knowledge:
- what are tornadoes all about;
- why our perception of tornadoes is inaccurate;
- the design tools available;
- which structural shapes are most favorable;
- the best materials to use;
- most common pitfalls to be avoided, and
- what are the design limits.
Intended Audience
The contents of this course are intended for professional engineers and practicing architects.
Benefit for Attendee
Attendee will learn the general process of conception and design, but better than that, he/she will gain the necessary confidence which comes with the “notion of the result”.
Course Introduction
Quite often we read or hear from the news media of how tornadoes destroy homes and even entire neighborhoods with the resulting loss of lives, limbs and personal property. Those are indeed very sad news; however, it is even sadder to know that it does not need to be that way. Houses can be designed and built to stand to the high winds of hurricanes and tornadoes.
The general perception predicated on the idea that tornado resistant homes are unattainable and that their construction would be expensive beyond reason is wrong on both counts. In this course we will review the alternatives and reach the conclusion that they are quite feasible.
Course Content
The course content is contained in the following PDF file:
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.
You may need to download Acrobat Reader to view and print the document.
Course Summary
This course has been designed to cover the general aspects of the tornado resistant residential structures. We debunk the false idea that tornadoes are a form of “irresistible force” beyond our possibilities. The phenomenon is reviewed and the alternatives are examined in reasonable detail.
A prototype house is presented and worked out by using the common tools offered by the conventional design technology. Solutions are given for the main problems which can be encountered in the normal rational analysis.
Related Links and References
For additional supplemental technical information related to this subject, please read another two of our courses titled:
“Simplified Principles of Wind Analysis“
“Dome Design”
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
