Observations of Structural Damage Caused by Hurricane Katrina on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 21, Issue 2
Abstract
The loads associated with Hurricane Katrina led to the destruction or severe damage of approximately 130,000 homes and over 200 deaths in the state of Mississippi. This paper discusses the results of a field inspection of structural damage along the state’s Gulf Coast area caused by this hurricane. It was found that reinforced concrete, steel frame, and heavy timber structures generally performed well, with minimal structural damage. Precast concrete, light frame wood, and bridge structures generally performed poorly. Nonstructural components of all building types, in particular facades and interior partitions subjected to storm surge, were typically destroyed. For various structures, the primary cause of failure was found to be insufficient connection strength. A comparison of Katrina’s storm surge and wind loads is made to those specified in current design standards. It was found that Katrina’s forces exceeded those specified in design standards in many parts of the state.
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References
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© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Apr 6, 2006
Accepted: Jul 17, 2006
Published online: Apr 1, 2007
Published in print: Apr 2007
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