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INSTRUCTORS:
Lisa Podesto, P.E.
Walter Moore
Bob Bailey, P.E.
Dave Peraza, P.E
Course Length: 1 hour
These presentations were recorded at the 2024 Forensic Engineering Congress.
Purpose and Background
Assessing Hurricane-Induced Structural Damage: Implications for Building Resilience and Design Standards (17 minutes)
This presentation explores the classification and evaluation of structural damage caused by hurricanes, with a focus on wind, water, and debris impacts. It emphasizes a thorough approach to damage assessment, including desktop studies, onsite inspections, and analysis of load paths from roofs to foundations. Case studies highlight common failures, such as roof and gable end damage, glazing and garage door failures, and the importance of addressing connection vulnerabilities. Mitigation strategies, including adherence to updated building codes, quality control during construction, and timely repairs, are discussed to enhance resilience. The presentation underscores the need for proactive assessments and design improvements to better withstand future hurricanes.
Hurricane Harvey Flood Damage to Corporate Campus (43 minutes)
This presentation examines the extensive flooding and structural damage caused by Hurricane Harvey at a corporate campus near Buffalo Bayou. It highlights the challenges of distinguishing between floodwater sources, such as rising bayou levels and surface runoff, to determine insurance coverage. Through a detailed investigation, including site inspections, hydrological analyses, and social media evidence, the study revealed that water primarily entered through major openings due to bayou overflow. The investigation also addressed errors in stream gauge data and the importance of corroborating evidence. Key lessons include the value of reliable data, the role of social media in forensic analysis, and the need for clear communication in technical reports to reduce disputes.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- List common structural vulnerabilities in buildings exposed to hurricane wind, water, and debris, and describe the failure mechanisms associated with each.
- Explain the process of hurricane damage classification and analyze the effectiveness of mitigation strategies in strengthening building resilience.
- Identify the primary factors contributing to flood damage during Hurricane Harvey and explain how water entered and impacted the corporate campus.
- Analyze the role of accurate hydrological data and describe the investigative methods used to distinguish between surface runoff and rising water sources.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Achievement of the learning objectives will be assessed through a short post-test.
Who Should Attend?
- Architects
- Construction Engineers
- Forensic engineers
- Geotechnical engineers
- Structural engineers
- Transportation engineers
How to Earn your PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
This course is worth 1.0 PDH/0.1 CEU. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course purchase.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]