Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | May 25, 1999 07:07am | #1

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   Louise,

   Tornado proof?? This just doesn't sound right to me. The best thing to do is make yourself Tornado Proof, when they say there's a change of them . . . leave.

   I'm not trying to be funny, just a realist. There are major differences between Hurricanes and Tornadoes. Hurricanes build force over time. . . Tornadoes strike in an instant. They also reach over 250 mph wind speed at their vortex. Leaving just sounds better.

   Joseph Fusco

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1. 
   Guest_ | May 25, 1999 07:25am | #2

   *Tornado Proof is a contradiction in terms. Unless you build underground, a house isn't going to be tornado proof no matter what you do. If you've ever witnessed the destruction of a tornado, you'll know the safest place for you and your family is underground. The wind doesn't just blow a house away. Sometimes they just decentigrate from the pressure. No anchor, strap,foundation or special connection. is going to keep a house togather in the path of a tornado.

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   Guest_ | May 25, 1999 09:20am | #3

   *Here is a website from Texas Tech University. About a week ago someone here posted this URL and I have found it to be very interesting. I too am in the process of designing/building a house in Texas(Montgomery County) and beleive it to be a good idea for new construction. I am going to build the 2nd bath which is located within the interior of the house(no outside walls), out of concrete walls or concrete block with steel reinforcement. Also it will have a concrete ceiling. They have some very good ideas on this website. Texas Tech wind engineering research center.

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   Guest_ | May 25, 1999 09:32am | #4

   *There is a fair amount of data available regarding overpressure effects on structures. Try following your nose using keywords like: Bomb shelters; explosive effects on structures, post-attack structural bombing damage assesments, etc.What you are trying for is most closely allied to building a bomb shelter. So, being creative in your research along those lines should get some results. Then you can decide just what you want to do for a reasonable amount of protection without throwing livability and esthetics completely out the window.

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   Guest_ | May 25, 1999 04:04pm | #5

   *To me, the term "Tornado Proof" conjures up images of reinforced concrete and steel shutters. My brother had a concept for a house like this when he was in school.I believe it is simply academic that an above ground structure could be built to stand during a tornado, but with what level of damage. Obviously the exterior finish is going to get ruined. In my mind "tornado proof" is certainly possible, but not very aesthetic or affordable. Earth sheltered seems to be a good looking option.-Rob

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   Mark_Helling | May 25, 1999 04:04pm | #6

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   We just had a force 4 tornado come through the Cincinnati area a few weeks ago. A new high school was one of the hard hit buildings---brick over concrete block shattered, steel roof trusses bent like pipe cleaners.
   I saw a documentary once that studied what construction technique would provide the best protection in a hurricane or tornado. One of the biggest dangers is debris turning into missles. They shot a 2x4 out of an air cannon at 200 mph. The "missle" went right through standard frame construction and even concrete blocks. 4" thick reinforced concrete finally was able to stop it.
   Luckily, here in Cincinnati almost every house has a basement. I'd never live in a house without one!

1. 
   Lisa | May 25, 1999 06:26pm | #7

   *Louise,There are two issues here - your survival and the house's. For YOUR survival, do not trust anything less than a basement, preferably a basement shelter constructed specifically for this. Were it me, it would be a room with reinforced concrete walls AND ROOF (that could be under the floor of the room above). The stairs would be exterior to the room and interior to the house. The room would have a four foot wide minimum door that swings IN (what if debris gets piled against the door - how do you get out?), solid wood with steel sheathing on both sides. I would then keep the family safe (important papers etc) in there, with common sense precautions like food, water, first aid kit, yada yada yada. I would also use it as a wine cellar cause you gotta do SOMETHING while the neighborhood gets relocated.As for your house surviving, well, nothing is going to take a full on tornado, unless you LIKE living in a nuclear blockhouse.... But, most tornados have relatively small footprints, and extremely high winds are more likely to be a problem. Underground would definately seem to be your best bet (besides being efficient, comfortable, etc). But if you want to live in a traditional house, look to the local vernacular. I'll bet you can do a very traditional house - thick concrete or adobe walls, low or flat roofs (more concrete or adobe - not light stick framing), windows are smallish or sheltered, courtyards, etc. All these things will help minimize wind damage, not to mention fit in with the climate, history, and lifestyle of your region.Good luck from Dorothy-landLisa

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   Louise_Kendall | May 26, 1999 07:32am | #8

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   We are about to begin construction on a new house in Texas. Does anyone have any ideas on how we can make this house better equiped to protect us during a tornado? We will have a large under the stairs pantry. Is it worth reinforcing this? My dad saw an article in an old fine homebuilding issue about strengthening plate to rafter connections to hold the roof on - we now can't find the article! Or better ways to hold the house to the foundation? (slab with piers). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

4. 
   Guest_ | May 26, 1999 07:32am | #9

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   In this area (Central Nebraska) I've never really seen any attempt made to make a "house" tornado proof. Generally the only considerations are for the occupants. Most newer dwellings in the area have basements. Many older (esp. rural) structures have a seperate storm cave dug into the ground that usually has an exterior entrance.

   I have worked on a few slab on grade houses recently that had an above ground poured concrete shelter, usually a walk-in closet or an interior bathroom. They were either 6"(or was it 8"?) solid concrete or ICF's. Both styles have poured ceilings also.

   The GC I am subing for just today poured a below ground ICF shelter under the front of the garage floor of his next house. The folks who the house is being built for initially pooh-poohed the necessity of such a shelter, but the recent tornadic activity in the news must have convinced them otherwise. (They must be from out of town!)

   I wouldn't even consider living in a dwelling without a shelter of some kind.

   Dick Streff