Materials and methods of construction to resist the effects of cyclones

Abstract

Failures of thousands of dwellings and that of a large number of engineered and non-engineered buildings and other industrial structures, caused by cyclones every year are of serious concern to professional engineers, scientists and researchers. The quality of common building materials used in the coastal regions of India such as stone and brick masonry, timber, steel and reinforced cement concerte, tiles, AC and other roofing sheets and also the effective methods of construction adopted, significantly affect the strength of structures in resisting severe cyclones. This paper discusses the common deficiencies on the properties of the materials used for walls and roofing of housing and other industrial structures, in resisting cyclonic wind forces and the ineffective construction practices leading to poor strength of overall structure. The paper also suggests some of the simple techniques to improve the cyclonic resistance of the structures. © 1992 Indian Academy of Sciences.