Program Number Authorized: LIVEDHPP
Credit: 1.00 HSW
Precast / Prestressed concrete is resistant to tornadoes, hurricanes, and wind. About 1,200 tornadoes hit the United States every year and every state is at risk. On average, 200 of those tornadoes hit the states of Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
Tornadoes can strike in any season, but occur most often in the spring and summer months. They can occur at all hours of the day and night, but are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Factors increasing demand for “high-performance” structures include the following
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Recent code changes
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Rising sustainability requirements
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Adapting to a challenging economy
High performance is not business-as-usual. The concept of “high-performance” encompasses sustainability in the simplest form.
It requires optimization of all relevant attributes for a project on a life cycle basis.
This presentation will explain what high performance structures are and how to meet higher standards. In addition, the presentation also covers the basics of precast concrete, its applications, finishes, etc.
How can precast concrete help you achieve your high performance project goals?
Learning objectives:
- Define high performance precast prestressed concrete structures.
- Discuss the advantages and long-term benefits of high performance design.
- Understand how precast meets the needs of FEMA 361
- Describe versatility, energy efficiency, and long-term building performance of precast.
- Explain how high performance design incorporates resiliency it to provide multi-hazard protection.
May 31, 2013 found The Canadian Valley Technology Center Campus in the path of an EF-3 tornado. The tornado ravaged the community and devastated the campus.
The campus was rebuilt into a state of the art learning facility.
It included an early childhood center, trade shops, offices, and specialized classrooms. But most importantly, it included four storm shelters. The campus was built to withstand the 250mph winds of an EF-5 tornado.
Storm shelters are used as a commons area or meeting rooms during normal hours when not performing as a storm shelter.
FEMA Resources – Public and Community Safe Rooms
Fema 361 refers to public and community areas subject to extreme-wind events. Community stakeholders responsible for public safety should consider building a community safe room. Primary stakeholders include building owners, schools, hospitals, neighborhood associations, and others.
The primary purpose of FEMA P-361 is to provide guidance. It features best practices related to the design, construction, and operation of community and residential safe rooms. It increases demand for high-performance structures such as precast concrete.
