Some buildings performed well during Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, likely saving lives, according to a preliminary virtual reconnaissance report by the University of Florida’s Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment.
Buildings such as the Marsh Harbour Healthcare Center served as storm shelters and performed well. Marsh Harbour was back to functioning immediately after the hurricane passed through the islands.
Hurricane Dorian raised the need for more study on impacts of slow-progression hurricanes and highlighted the need to reexamine disaster risk and preparedness for small island nations, the report says. At least 76,000 people were impacted by Dorian on the Bahamas, with more than 50 deaths and many still missing.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) reported that satellite-based damage assessments have counted about 1,100 destroyed buildings and nearly 2,300 damaged buildings on Greater Abaco, one of the hardest-hit islands. Building destruction on some islands ranged from 25% to 75%.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 30, 2017
WELL enters strategic partnership with developer of standards and assessment tools
GIGA’s RESET standard and data collection will be integrated into the WELL standard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 29, 2017
Climate-specific code changes target energy savings for tropical zones
Hawaii considers updated 2015 IECC tailored to its climate.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2017
Safety concerns over wood-frame construction raised after Raleigh apartment fire
The unfinished building was destroyed in a five-alarm blaze.
Codes and Standards | Mar 27, 2017
Bills in Maryland Legislature would restrict use of wood in multifamily construction
American Wood Council and design and construction professionals are speaking out against the measure.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2017
New manual of IT connectivity guidelines for commercial developments, redevelopments released
Mobile capacity planning, conduit points of entry, and electrical resiliency are covered.
Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2017
Brick Industry Assn. study finds brick buildings cost less than precast, metal, and glass
The study compares costs in five categories of construction.
Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2017
Calif. shopping center is first to earn BREEAM USA In-Use certification
The certification measures and monitors environmental performance of existing buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2017
Professional liability insurance rates for architects and engineers expected to be stable in 2017
Premiums leveled off in 2015, and claims have been stable, helping to hold costs down.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2017
Energy Star program at risk
The standard-setting initiative for energy-efficient products may be a victim of Trump budget cuts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2017
Timber Innovation Act to promote tall wood buildings introduced in Congress
The measure has bipartisan support.