Support R & D leading to an increased understanding of tornadic wind-structure interaction, development of corresponding updates to the current tornado load methodology, and transfer of these research…

This Project Grant award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Measurement Science and Engineering (MSE) Research Grant Program (CFDA 11.609) provides $247,277 to Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) to support R&D leading to an increased understanding of tornadic wind-structure interaction and development of updates to the current tornado load methodology. The project involves developing building models, performing tornado load simulations, analyzing results, and making recommendations to improve the existing tornado load procedures in the ASCE 7-22 standard. The expected outcomes include a proposal to the ASCE 7 Standards Committee and a technical paper for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The intended beneficiaries include research organizations, government agencies, standards development organizations, building designers, and the public.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to support R & D leading to an increased understanding of tornadic wind-structure interaction, development of corresponding updates to the current tornado load methodology, and transfer of these research results into engineering practice through a technical publication and a proposal to improve tornado load procedures in the next edition of the national load standard.

Activities

The project will begin with development of appropriate building models, performance of tornado load simulations on these models, and analysis of results. Comparisons will be made between load cases from these simulations and the current tornado load methodology used in the asce 7-22 standard (the national standard for loads on buildings). Recommendations for improving the existing load methodology will be made in a briefing for the asce 7 standards committee and a final proposal will be submitted to the committee, including any feedback from the committee. A technical paper will be prepared for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Expected outcomes

The project should result in an increased understanding of tornadic wind-structure interaction in general and tornado load cases in specific. A proposal will be submitted to the asce 7 standards committee to modify the tornado load procedures. A technical paper will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Intended beneficiaries

Intended beneficiaries include research organizations, governmental agencies, standards development organizations, building designers, and the public.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.