Finite Element Modeling of the Progressive Failure of a Low-Rise Building under Uniform Uplift Pressure

Abstract

Hurricane is the most financially devastative natural hazard. However, the prediction accuracy of the current two public hurricane damage prediction models for low-rise residential buildings is constrained by the modified ASCE code version and the predefined load distribution among the load bearing components. The current study proposed a rigorous Finite Element model that enables not only to accommodate the wind tunnel test or field test database, but also to update the progressively damaged building portion during the wind-structure interaction. The building envelope, including the sheathing panels and the nailing connections that were witnessed as the most vulnerable portion of the building, was modeled with extensive details. Shear failure of the roof sheathing was found to be one initiative failure mechanism and the hot spots agree well with the damaged roof sheathing by the post disaster survey. Under the same uniform uplift pressure, the building did experience the progressive failure after the initiation of the envelope damage.