Montserrat is leading the way in the Caribbean in responding to the effects of climate change on building designs.
In September 2017, the Caribbean region encountered an extremely active Atlantic Hurricane Season with an increase in the frequency of high-intensity storms. As such, the Government of Montserrat in collaboration with consultant Structural Engineer, Mr. Rick Ehlert from the USA, have developed prototypes for 2-bedroom units that are capable of withstanding category 5++ hurricanes, with wind speeds in excess of 180mph.
The OECS Building Code currently dictates that residential units within the island of Montserrat should be designed to withstand a minimum of 161mph winds (category II building types). This increase in building resistivity is anticipated to reduce the damage left in the wake of high-intensity storms within the island.
Additionally, the structures were also designed with increased seismic resistivity.
These structures are currently being tendered and are due for construction in early 2018 as a part of the MATHLE Social Housing Project.
Images taken from the Government of Montserrat's Tendering website for:
The Tender for the Construction of Two-Bedroom Unit at Davy Hill - Lot 192.
The tender can be found here at:
http://www.gov.ms/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Tender-for-MATHLE-Social-Housing-The-Construction-of-Two-Bedroom-Unit-at-Davy-Hill-Lot-192.pdf
Is there such a thing as a hurricane resistant structure?
ReplyDeleteIn my view, even with a well designed and constructed roof, a structure can be no match, when it lies in the path of the north eastern quadrant of a major tropical storm in which the eye wall can sustain a central barometric pressure of less than 920 millibars and can contain tornadoes which are capable of causing catastrophic damage.
Coupled with thundershowers and windspeeds of more than 130mph, the impact of even a Category 3 Hurricane on the envelope of a building (including doors and windows if not secured with external shutters) can severely compromise the structural integrity of such a building and may result in an implosion or explosion of its walls and roof.
It is important therefore that buildings designed for the Caribbean's Tropical Marine Climate, should not only be capable of equalizing the pressure inside and outside, during the passage of a tropical cyclone, to prevent damage and destruction, but should be safeguarded from fallen trees and other wind-driven missiles.