Cost vs. safety : a novel design for tornado proof homes

Abstract EN

Tornadoes are dangerous and destructive weather phenomena.

The strongest category of tornadoes on the enhanced Fujita and TORRO scales is responsible for 75% of property destruction and deaths across the globe.

These issues highlight the need for new design practices aimed at producing tornado proof homes in particular 3D CAD models in tornado prone zones at current climatic scenarios.

Previous studies were entirely based on traditional slants and failed to offer a reliable tornado proof home, other than small rooms and trailers, while, none of the literature concentrated on multiple factors (cost, safety and high-wind proof).

Therefore, a knowledge gap exists.

In order to address the current research gap, this study attempts to develop an innovative 3D CAD model for tornado resistant homes by incorporating 2 PA (Two Path Analysis).

Consequently, this study provides a new design using a 3D-CAD model for a tornado resistant home as in Path One and cost and safety scenarios in Path Two.

However, this new design utilizes missile steel and shield technology.

Preliminary results showed that, while this new design is safer and more technically sophisticated, it involves an increase of 25–30% in construction costs.

However, this increased expense is low in comparison with rebuilding costs.