Conceptual Geometric Design for U.S. Coastal Homes to Resist Hurricane Surge Forces
Open Access
- Author:
- Bates, Julie
- Area of Honors:
- Civil Engineering
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Ali M Memari, Thesis Supervisor
Sukran Ilgin Guler, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Hurricane Resistant Design
Hurricane
Storm Surge
Geometry - Abstract:
- In the aftermath of hurricanes like Katrina and Harvey that have changed the landscape of the coastal U.S., it has become very important to effectively prepare for such natural disasters. Rebuilding from hurricanes is a slow process, with as much as 17 percent of damaged properties still needing substantial repairs five years after Katrina and Rita. If coastal homes continue to be built the same way, they will continue to be devastated by future hurricanes. However, there are a few different approaches and adaptations to the design of coastal residential buildings to help defend them. Some approaches focus on simply elevating the traditional home, while others focus on reinforcing the homes with stronger materials. Yet, another approach focuses on designing the shape and geometry of coastal homes to better withstand hurricanes surge effects. This thesis focuses on different ways that shape and structural configuration can help U.S. coastal homes to resist hurricane surge forces, which are the forces associated with the high wind and surge water from the ocean. In particular, developing aerodynamic shapes that will reduce the effect of wave forces on the structure will be discussed. This thesis includes an introduction about how coastal homes have performed in past events and existing solutions. However, the main focus is to discuss the development and analysis of a geometric approach to counter the effects of hurricane surge force. Ultimately, the result of the study will be presented in the form of a preliminary design.