Applied Knowledge

Can you Design a Building to Resist 250 MPH Winds?

This FastCompany article examines the feasibility of designing a structure to resist typhoon force winds.  Robust building components, alternate building design, and cost are a few of the items discussed.  One of the items discussed is a report written by the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Council that speaks of the benefits of mitigation ($1 spent: $4 savings) and alludes to a mitigation study of providing a safe room for as little as $2,000.

Read the article here.

Over 1,000 L.A. Concrete Buildings at Risk From Seismic Event

The L.A. Times states that over 1,000 concrete buildings are at risk of collapsing from a seismic event.  Backed by a grant from the National Science Foundation, UC Berkley Professor Jack Moehle began in 2006  identifying buildings that might be at risk for collapse.  Over 1,500 buildings were identified as being potentially vulnerable.  This list was then handed over to the L.A. Times who did further research and created detailed interactive maps of the buildings of concern.

Click here to read more about the L.A. Times Study

 

Anti Ram Barrier Test Standards

Anti Ram Barrier Test StandardsThe DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barriers list includes vehicle barriers successfully tested in accordance with ASTM F2656, Standard Test Method for Vehicle Crash Testing of Perimeter Barriers or U.S. Department of State (DoS) SD-STD-02.01, Vehicle Crash Testing of Perimeter Barriers and Gates. Barriers on this list have been tested by certified testing facilities or laboratories and reports have been submitted, reviewed, and validated by the Protective Design Center (PDC) in the manner stated below. This list does not include any barrier which allowed a dynamic penetration in excess of the distance associated with an ASTM F2653 P3 penetration rating during the test.

Inclusion on the DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barriers list is dependent on the following criteria: (1) the barrier in question must have successfully been tested in accordance with ASTM F2626 (or previously SD-STD-02.01); and (2) the PDC shall receive all documentation associated with the successful test via the performing test facility as required by the applicable ASTM or DoS standard test: Identification; Barrier Description (comprehensive and detailed); Test Vehicle Description; Test Procedure; Findings; and Evaluation. Any material received from a non-certified testing facility or laboratory will not be considered for inclusion on the list. Complete barrier submittals, validated by the PDC, will result in the barrier being added to the DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barriers list. The list is updated and published on a quarterly basis (January, April, July, and October). All submittals will be treated as proprietary information and will be exempt from public disclosure. The submittal cut-off date is set at one month prior to the issuance of the next list.