Detailing Steel Roof Decks to Control Damage from Wind-Borne Debris Impact
Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 21, Issue 1
Abstract
Structurally hardened safe rooms are a proven strategy for enhancing life safety during tornadoes and other severe wind events. Performance criteria for safe rooms include resistance to both wind pressure and impact from wind-borne debris. This paper presents the results of a test program evaluating debris impact resistance of light-gauge steel decking for use as roof cladding on safe rooms. Particular attention is given to the modes of damage caused by debris impact and strategies for controlling and mitigating such damage. Recommendations are provided for detailing lap joints and bearing connections and for selecting appropriate support spacing. This information will aid design engineers in detailing light-gauge steel roof decks for use in tornado safe rooms. Recommendations provided in this paper are also applicable to other scenarios where steel roof decks are at risk of wind-borne debris impact.
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Acknowledgments
Vulcraft provided funding and materials for this research. The authors acknowledge the assistance of Danny Metz, Scott Black, and Sam Biemann during the construction of the debris cannon and support frame. Brooks Iverson, Michael Stoner, Matt Peden, Josh Hunter, Josh Watterson, and Luay Abo Alarab assisted during testing.
References
ASCE. (2005). “Minimum design loads for buildings and other structures.” ASCE/SEI 7-05, Reston, VA.
FEMA. (2000). “Design and construction guidance for community safe rooms.” FEMA P-361, 1st Ed., Washington, DC.
FEMA. (2008). “Design and construction guidance for community safe rooms.” FEMA P-361, 2nd Ed., Washington, DC.
ICC/NSSA (International Code Council/National Storm Shelter Association). (2008). “Standard for the design and construction of storm shelters.” ICC-500, Washington, DC.
NWS (National Weather Service). (2013). “The tornado outbreak of May 20, 2013.” 〈http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/?n=events-20130520〉 (Dec. 17, 2014).
Prevatt, D. O., et al. (2012). “Making the case for improved structural design: Tornado outbreaks of 2011.” J. Leadership Manage. Eng., 254–270.
Roper, R. O. (2014). “Combined numerical and experimental assessment of steel roof decks subjected to windborne debris.” M.S. thesis, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Clemson Univ., Clemson, SC.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 21 • Issue 1 • February 2016
Copyright
© 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 30, 2014
Accepted: Jun 2, 2015
Published online: Jul 3, 2015
Discussion open until: Dec 3, 2015
Published in print: Feb 1, 2016
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