Finite element analysis of interaction of tornados with a low-rise timber building

This paper studies the interaction of a tornado with a one-story gable-roofed timber building. The methodology presented in this paper will predict the successive stages of structural damage caused to the building by a translating tornado as a result of its interaction with the building components. The dynamic effects of changing internal and external pressures on the building are taken into account, as the tornado translates by the building and inflicts damage. A partially damaged one-story building, located within the damage path of the Parkersburg EF5 tornado (May 25, 2008), was chosen for analysis using Finite Elements (FE) and comparison of observed damage to those predicted in this study. The methodology described in this paper will enable accurate prediction of wind-induced damage to low-rise timber buildings under the influence of a tornado for better design and construction practices. It will also help in assessing the intensity of a tornado from the observed damage state of the building.