MIT CSHub Study Finds that Hurricane-Resistant Construction is Undervalued
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A recently distributed study by the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub (CSHub) states that hurricane-resistant construction may be undervalued by billions of dollars annually. Failing to consider neighborhood texture in hurricane-related wind loss models may undervalue stronger construction by over 80 percent. The error is traced to the failure to take into account the density of a neighborhood and how buildings are configured. The arrangement of building shapes and sizes can amplify or reduce the wind load on buildings within a neighborhood. The paper recommends that coastal states enhance their building codes, especially in densely built-up areas, to save dollars and save lives. MIT CSHub researcher Ipek Bensu Manav notes that current building codes do not sufficiently account for texture-induced load amplifications.
“It is important that the benefits of resilient design be quantified so that financial incentives - whether lending, insurance or otherwise - can be brought to bear to increase mitigation. Manav’s research will move the industry forward toward justifying these benefits,” says structural engineer Evan Reis, executive director of the U.S. Resiliency Council.
The MIT CSHub is funded by the RMC Research & Education Foundation and Portland Cement Association.
Sources: MIT news release and July 12 edition of ACI Concrete SmartBrief. Read more here.
