A Statistical Analysis of Wind Damage to Single-Family Dwellings Due to Hurricane Hugo

Amirkhanian, Serji; Sparks, Peter; Watford, Sandy; ,

A Statistical Analysis of Wind Damage to Single-Family Dwellings Due to Hurricane Hugo

by Serji Amirkhanian, (M.ASCE), Clemson Univ, Clemson, United States,
Peter Sparks, (M.ASCE), Clemson Univ, Clemson, United States,
Sandy Watford, Clemson Univ, Clemson, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structures Congress XII

Abstract:

The claim files of 575 policy holders of the South Carolina Windstorm and Hail Underwriting Association were analyzed to determine the nature of wind damage to single-family dwellings in coastal areas of South Carolina during Hurricane Hugo (September 21-22, 1989). The results of the statistical analysis indicated that in areas where the mean recurrence interval of the wind conditions approached 50 years, 90% of the policy holders files insurance claims. However, the average amount of direct wind damage was only 7% of the insured value of the structure, although the total payments, including interior rain damage and loss contents, averaged over 30% of the insured value. Less than 5% of the buildings had direct wind damage greater than 20% of the insured value. Most of the damage was to roofing materials and roof structure augmented by subsequent rain damage. New buildings built to a local building code performed slightly better than older buildings. Flat roofs were most likely to have extensive damage followed by gable roofs. Hip roofs were least likely to be seriously damaged. Ocean front homes were damaged significantly worse than non-ocean front homes in locations where the winds were coming off the ocean.

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