Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions

Conference Track:  Manmade & Natural Hazards

Selection1:       Paper

Language:         English

Keywords:         Hurricanes, wind loads, structural damage

Contact Title:     Ing.

Contact First Name: Hector Duvan

Contact Last Name:  Lopez

University:       University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez

Web:

Position:         Graduate student

Country:          Puerto Rico

Email:

Fax:              787-833-8260

Selection:        Definitely YES

Submit:           Submit

Date:             Sunday, February 15, 2004

Time:             07:38:01 PM

Paper Title:

DAMAGE PREDICTION MODEL DUE TO HURRICANE WINDS ON BUILDINGS IN PUERTO RICO

Abstract:

This paper reports on the development of a practical tool for estimating the cost of damage in buildings due to hurricane winds, subjected to local exposure conditions and considering the typical construction techniques in Puerto Rico. Although there are a number of methodologies and models for loss estimation available today (most of which are not in the public domain), their effectiveness depends on considering the materials and local construction techniques, as well as the design specifications. This project is sponsored by the local insurance commissionaire, as a consequence of the lack of adequate tools to assess the vulnerability of buildings to hurricane winds based on local conditions.  To evaluate the expected loss level in buildings, the economical and structural damages are plotted as a function of the wind speed. The most vulnerable components of buildings under wind loads are modeled, such as the roof cover system and connections, the façade systems (walls and openings), and the main wind force resisting system (only for light structures). Statistical and engineering judgments are employed to examine the effect that the damage in a particular element can generate in other parts in the structure, causing a mechanism of failure. Post-Disaster reports and available claims data from the insurance industry from past events in the island will be used to adjust the curves obtained in the previous stage. This information is of great importance to calibrate damage and losses due to real events.

Mailing Address:

Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, PR 00681-9041

Phone:

787-265-3815

Other Authors:

Hector D. Lopez/ hlopez@ce.uprm.edu/ University of Puerto Rico /(P)

Luis A. Godoy/ lgodoy@uprm.edu/ University of Puerto Rico /

Raul Zapata/ zapata@ce.uprm.edu/ University of Puerto Rico /

Arsenio Caceres/ acaceres@ce.uprm.edu/ University of Puerto Rico /