High-Winds Lab Shows Value Of Wind-Resistant Construction

Courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

The roof of the building made of common materials showed significant damage from 73-mph gusts.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety conducted the first side-by-side, high-speed-wind performance test of two full-scale, commercial-style buildings on July 17. The strip-mall-type structures were built at the IBHS storm simulation lab in Richburg, S.C., for the test, one using common construction practices and the other using wind-resistant ones that cost about 5% more. The stronger building was largely undamaged, except for a window broken by a 2 x 4 shot through it to simulate the impact of a broken branch. A window in the "common" building was shattered the same way "to make it a fair fight," says a spokesman. On the weaker building, roof flashing began to peel in a 73-mph gust, and a roll-up door blew in during a 115-mph gust. The walls survived a 136-mph gust, but after the window broke, the roof separated and a wall blew out in a gust of 115 mph.

Consulting Editor Tom Sawyer began his journalism career at the Atlantic City Press, in N.J. The former ENR editor expanded technology coverage and devised ENR's popular annual photo contest. Tom has also written memorable special reports from disaster and war zones, often taking the lead when earthquakes and hurricanes strike. His technology, disaster and war-related reporting has involved trips to Iraq, Haiti, Japan and other countries.

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60% of workers are exposed to heights greater than 5 ft daily, and workers' compensation from injury is more than $7B - it's time for construction leaders to take measures to reduce risk and create a safer work environment. We'll explore how technology can improve construction site safety and help prevent accidents before they happen.