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 | Jan 10, 2022
New ratings services focus on climate risk for homeowners
Efficacy of models used in risk assessment varies.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2022
Virginia contractors having a tough time finding diverse subs to meet state goals
Survey of primes may indicate similar issues at federal level.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2022
Boston drops parking requirements for affordable housing
Measure expected to spur new projects.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2022
Dept. of Energy Better Climate Challenge aims for 50% GHG emission reduction by 2030
Program offers technical assistance and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2022
Architects at New York firm take steps to unionize
Support for unionization reported at two other New York firms.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
Biden’s executive order for a carbon-neutral government includes green materials mandate
As a driver of demand, federal procurement impact could ripple through the economy.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
Controversial California solar power incentive proposal would reduce subsidies
Plan intended to encourage customers to install power storage systems.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
New York City bans new gas hookups
Applies to gas stoves, boilers, and heaters in new buildings and buildings that undergo gut renovations.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
New engineering guide on fire safety for very tall buildings released
Topics include emergency egress, fire resistance, building envelope, suppression, detection, alarms, and smoke control.
Codes and Standards | Dec 22, 2021
Updated ASCE 7-22 standard includes first-ever criteria for tornado-resistant design
New document provides up-to-date, coordinated loading provisions for general structural design.
