Designing A

Strong Building II
[Guidelines For Disaster Resilient Buildings/Structures]

Prepared by: Ar. Adrian R. Toisa

 Intended Learning Outcome

Apply the guidelines for disaster resilient building or

structure in Architectural Design.

Recognize the needed materials and its properties in

constructing a resilient building.

Create a conceptual design of a resilient building

applicable in housing development.
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies

The main strategy in protecting buildings from

strong winds is to maintain the integrity of the
building envelope, including roofs and
windows, and to design the building to
withstand the expected lateral and uplift forces.
The following are some strategies that can be
employed to make the construction system
more wind-resilient and which could possibly
withstand more than 250 kph winds.
Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies

Building Shape
The most important single factor in determining the performance
of buildings in typhoons is the building shape. Simple, compact,
symmetrical shapes are best.

The square plan is better than the rectangle since it allows high
winds to go around them. The rectangle is better than the L-shaped
plan.

If other shapes are desired, efforts should be made to strengthen

the corners.

If longer shapes are used, they must be designed to withstand the
forces of the wind.
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies

Roof Form/Shape
Use a hip roof. This is the strongest type with all sides of the roof
sloped. Hip roofs offer much less wind resistance than gable roofs.

For gable roofs, use a high pitched roof.

Avoid a low-pitched roof. Roof pitch angle at least 25°. Experience

and experiment have shown that the hip roof with the pitch in 25° to
40° range has best record of wind resistance.
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies

Roof Overhangs
Avoid large overhangs as high wind force build up under them.

Roof eaves can be limited to 18 - 20 inches.

If overhangs or canopies are desired, they should be braced by

ties held to the main structure.

Roof overhangs for verandah, patio, terraces and balconies should

be designed as separate construction rather than extensions of the
main roof of the building. They can break-away from the main roof
structure without damaging the rest of the house.
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies

Roofing Sheets
If possible, use long-span roof sheets.

If the sheeting is too thin or there are too few fittings, the nails or
screws may tear through the sheet. If galvanized sheets are used, 24
gauge is recommended.

Roofing sheets usually fail at ridges where capping comes off, at

gable ends where sheetings rolls up sideways and at eaves where
sheets lift up. At ridges, eaves and overhangs, provide fixings at
every two (2) corrugations. At all other locations, provide fixings at
every three (3) corrugation at maximum spacing.
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies

Roofing Sheets
Use galvanized iron flats under the fixings.

Use fittings with a broad washer or dome head (zinc nail). To use
more fixings for each sheet, put in the laths at closer centers and nail
closer together.

Screws hold better than nails so fewer screws can be used. But the
sheeting must be thick or they will tear through.
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Roofing Sheets
When using screws for corrugated galvanized roof sheets, use
proper drive screws. Be sure that the screws go into the purlins at
least fifty (50) mm. Use large washers under the screw heads to
prevent the roof sheets from tearing when pulled upward by high
winds.

Nails do not hold as well as screws. Use nails with wide heads and
long enough to bend over below the lath. Galvanized coated nails
are better than ordinary wire nails.

Spacing for laths and number of fixings will vary with the gauge of
sheeting used. Laths should be placed closer together for thin sheets
to provide space for extra fixings. A guide to the number of fixings
and spacing of laths is shown below.
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Roofing Sheets
The connections of cladding/sheeting to the truss need to be designed for the
increased forces, especially at the corners and the roof edges considered as zones
of higher local wind suctions. Failure at any one of these locations could lead
progressively to complete roof failure. The following are recommended:

Sheeted roofs:- A reduced spacing of bolts, ¾ of that admissible as per IS:800,

recommended. For normal connections, J bolts may be used but for cyclone
resistant connections U – bolts are recommended. Alternatively a strap may be
used at least along edges to fix cladding with the purlins to avoid punching
through the sheet. Properly connected M.S. flat can be used as reinforcing band in
high suction zones. The corrugated sheeting should be properly overlapped (at
least 2 1/2 corrugation) to prevent water from blowing under the seam. Spaces
between the sheeting and the wall plate should be closed up to prevent the wind
from getting under the sheeting and lifting it. This can be done by nailing a fascia
board to the wall plate and rafters.
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Roofing Sheets
Clay tile roofs:- Because of lower dead weight, these may be unable to resist the
uplifting force and thus experience heavy damage, particularly during cyclones.
Anchoring of roof tiles in R.C. strap beams is recommended for improved cyclone
resistance. As alternative to the bands, a cement mortar screed, reinforced with
galvanized chicken mesh, may be laid over the high suction areas of the tiled roof.
Note:- Covering the entire tile roof with concrete or ferro-cement will prevent
natural breathing through the tiles and will make them thermally uncomfortable.
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Roof Frame Construction
Roof trusses and gables must be braced.

Provide a more rigid fastening system for the roof frame like metal
tie-down straps (typhoon straps) that tie the roof structure all the
way down to the foundation.

Provide various structural connectors that can dramatically reduce

uplift which is the cause of the most significant roof damage in
typhoons.
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Roof Frame Construction
If the rafters are not secure, the ridge can fall apart when strong
wind passes over the roof. The ridge can be secured by using:

Collar Ties - Timbers connecting the rafters. Nail them to the side of
the rafters.

Gussets - Usually made of steel/plywood. This is used at the ridge.

Metal Straps - over the top of the rafters.

Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Roof Frame Construction

Fig. Roofing system with collar ties

Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Roof Frame Construction

Fig. Roofing system with gusset plate

Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Roof Frame Construction

Fig. Roofing system with metal strap

 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Roof Frame Construction
The connection of roof framing to the vertical load resisting
elements i.e. wall or post, by providing properly designed anchor
bolts and base plates is equally important for overall stability of the
roof. The anchoring of roof framing to masonry wall should be
accomplished through anchor bolts embedded in concrete cores.
The weight of participating masonry at an angle of half horizontal to
1 vertical should be more that the total uplift at the support. In case
of large forces, the anchoring bars can be taken down to the
foundation level with a structural layout that could ensure the
participation of filler and cross walls in resisting the
uplift.
Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Roof Frame Construction

Fig. Anchor bolt

 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Roof Frame Construction
Adequate diagonal or knee bracing should be provided both at the
rafter level and the eaves level in a pitched roof. The purlins should
be properly anchored at the gable end. It is desirable that at least
two bays, one at each end, be braced both in horizontal and vertical
plane to provide adequate wind resistance. Where number of bays is
more than 5, use additional bracing in every fourth bay.

In order to reduce wind induced flutter/vibration of the roof in

cyclonic regions, it is recommended that all members of the truss
and the bracings be connected at the ends by at least two
rivets/bolts or welds. Further the cross bracing members by
welded/connected at the crossings to reduce vibrations.
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Roof Frame Construction
Adequate diagonal or knee bracing should be provided both at the
rafter level and the eaves level in a pitched roof. The purlins should
be properly anchored at the gable end. It is desirable that at least
two bays, one at each end, be braced both in horizontal and vertical
plane to provide adequate wind resistance. Where number of bays is
more than 5, use additional bracing in every fourth bay.

In order to reduce wind induced flutter/vibration of the roof in

cyclonic regions, it is recommended that all members of the truss
and the bracings be connected at the ends by at least two
rivets/bolts or welds. Further the cross bracing members by
welded/connected at the crossings to reduce vibrations.
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Doors & Windows
Avoid openings which cannot be securely closed during a typhoon.

Doors and windows must be protected by covering and/or

bracing. Hurricane shutters can protect windows from most wind-
blown debris.

Enhance the protection of openings by considering the addition of

impact-resistant windows, doors, louvers, etc. An alternative is for
glass panes be strengthened by pasting thin film or paper strips. This
can introduce some damping in the glass panels and reduce their
vibrations.
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Doors & Windows
Recourse may be taken to reduce the panel size to smaller
dimensions.

Since the failure of any door or window on the wind-ward side

may lead to adverse uplift pressures under roof, the openings should
have strong holdfasts as well as closing/locking arrangement.
Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
 Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Masonry Walls
It is not uncommon for un-reinforced masonry to fail in severe
cyclones. Walls braced by ring beams and columns have remained
safe.

All external walls or wall panels must be designed to resist the out
of plane wind pressure adequately. The lateral load due to wind is
finally resisted either by walls lying parallel to the lateral force
direction (by shear wall action) or by RC frames to which the panel
walls must be fixed using appropriate reinforcement such as seismic
bands at window lintel level.
Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Masonry Walls

Fig. Ring beam

Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Masonry Walls

Fig. Ring beam

Typhoon-Resilient Design Strategies
Masonry Walls
Flood-Resilient Design Strategies
 Flood-Resilient Design Strategies
Location
Avoid as much as possible any high-density development in low-
lying areas (prone to flooding).

Observe required easements along sides of waterways.

House located on a river bed, close to running water, is very

vulnerable to flooding. Not only the house, but also its contents are
vulnerable to destruction due to heavy rains. Houses should not be
built in such obviously vulnerable locations, or if they are, they
should be designed to resist the hazards of their location.
 Flood-Resilient Design Strategies
Location
Houses must be located away from places subject to landslides
where soil may move down a steep slope, debris flows where soil
gravel and rocks may be washed rapidly down by heavy rainfall, and
flashfloods.

The house floor must be elevated above the surrounding area,

with special consideration for possible area flooding, either by
ground water, sea storm, or by tsunami.
Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Location
Example of bad location. The house
is located on a river bed, close to
running water, where it is very
vulnerable to flooding. Not only the
house, but also its contents are
vulnerable to destruction due to
heavy rains. Houses should not be
built in such obviously vulnerable
locations, or if they are, they should
be designed to resist the hazards of
their location.
 Flood-Resilient Design Strategies
Foundation
Invariably a typhoon is accompanied by torrential rain and tidal
surge (in coastal areas) resulting into flooding of the low lying areas.
The tidal surge effect diminishes as it travels on shore, which can
extend even up to 10 to 15 km. Flooding causes saturation of soil
and thus significantly affects the safe bearing capacity of the soil. In
flood prone areas, the safe bearing capacity should be taken as half
of that for the dry ground. Also the likelihood of any scour due to
receding tidal surge needs to be taken into account while deciding
on the depth of foundation and the protection works around a
raised ground used for locating cyclone shelters or other buildings.
Flood-Resilient Design Strategies
Foundation
Flood causes saturation of soil and
thus significantly affects the safe
bearing capacity of the soil.

The sample illustration shows good

house elevation. The house is being
built in a low lying area vulnerable to
flooding. Concrete stilts are being
cast on pad footings to raise the floor
level of the house so that it will not
be flooded or subject to dampness.
 Flood-Resilient Design Strategies
Wall And Window Openings
Openings just below roof level be avoided for storm resiliency
except that two small vents without shutter should be provided in
opposite walls to prevent suffocation in case room gets filled with
water and people may try to climb up on lofts or pegs.
Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
 Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Foundation
Soil for a good foundation that can carry the weight of a house
must be well drained so that it is dry and not waterlogged.
Waterlogged soil can become liquefied in an earthquake—turn to a
semi-liquid—so that structures sink into the ground.
Example of bad foundation. Built in
a swampy, water clogged area. As
the foundations and the foundation
trench was dug, it filled with water
so the builders dropped dry sand and
cement into it and then the first row
of blocks were located on top of this
mixture.
Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Foundation
Liquefaction. Example of a
well built and well structured
house that was not quite
finished when a major hazard
struck. The house was
structurally good but the
foundations were poor for this
location. Due to a major
earthquake the foundations
suffered from liquefaction of
the ground, and due to the
weight of the house, it
subsided unevenly into the
ground.
 Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing
The building needs a coherent structure. If the structure is
coherent and strong, it protects the whole house.

-A regular structure (Columns and floors are all joined to each other
in a regular format. Overhanging parts of the building are all well
supported by continuous columns to the foundations. A complete
structural frame around the building is tied in to the foundation, the
walls and the roof structure)
Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing
This regularly structured building
is able to withstand the impact of
hazards. Notice the structure of
columns and floors which are all
joined to each other in a regular
format. Overhanging parts of the
building are well supported by
continuous columns and
foundations.
 Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing and Masonry Walls
This illustrates a good structural
design principles for a hollow block
or brick wall building with a
reinforced concrete structure. A
complete structural frame around a
building is tied in the foundation,
the walls and the roof structure.
Doors and windows have a beam
over them to carry the weight of the
wall above and to strengthen the
columns. The top of the wall is also
tied together with the columns by a
second reinforce concrete ring
beam, and end walls are
strengthened.
 Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing and Masonry Walls
An example of bad structural
principles. This house has no
structural columns and no ring
beams to hold the structure
together. There are no columns at
the corners, or within the walls, and
there are no ring beams at the top
of doors and windows or at the top
of the walls. This building will have
little resistance to being destroyed
by any impact from nature, like an
earthquake or a storm.
 Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing and Masonry Walls
Good structural practice. A good
pattern of reinforced concrete
columns and beams to strengthen
all aspects of the building including
support to strengthen the
triangular gable end wall so that it
will not fall when a lateral force
strikes the building. All end walls of
this nature need a reinforced
column to strengthen them, or they
are liable to fall when the building
is subjected to a major lateral force.
It also has a reinforced concrete
beam to top to all walls.
 Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing and Masonry Walls
Not good structure. Another example
of a house which has too little
structure to brace the walls against
lateral forces. This is a common
construction fault with hollow blocks.
Columns are inadequate, too small,
and poorly constructed, and there
should be a reinforced column
between the door and the window.
The window and the door have
inadequate structural support. When
the forces of nature strike this house,
it will progressively deteriorate and be
hard to repair.
 Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing
A wood frame structure mounted on a concrete frame/stub wall
must be fully anchored together. A bracket made of non-corrodible
metal, must be cast into the bearing structure to provide a structural
connection for the whole wall through to the foundation. The wood
column must be bolted to the bracket, and the bracket must be fully
secured into the concrete.
Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing
Example of incorrect roofing
practice. The roof structure is good
but no connection is made between
roof trusses and the building
structure. The roof is resting on the
top of the house walls and is subject
to moving in high winds or other
forces of nature.
Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing
Not good practice. Roof trusses are
near but not over the columns, and
column steel is not long enough and
not bent over roof structure to
connect between roof and column
structure. This is a weak building
method.
 Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing
Join walls and roof to strengthen each other. Column
reinforcement should protrude from the top of concrete columns
and be bent around roof trusses for structural strength, or roof
trusses should be strapped with metal ties to the wall structure.
Exposed metal should be painted with rust proof paint to prevent
corrosion.

The joints of wooden roof trusses need to be bolted together and

tied with metal straps to provide flexibility but not collapse under
the forces of nature. Metal roof trusses must be welded together,
welded to purlins, and welded to wall reinforcement for strength.
Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing

Fig. An illustration of binding

roof trusses to building
structure.
 Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing
The walls and roof need bracing against lateral movement. In
order to resist lateral forces, walls and roof structure need cross
bracing at all levels, particularly if it is a wooden structure. This is a
major principle in the construction of traditional houses.
Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing

Good tying practice. An

illustration for a wooden frame
building, where metal ties are
used to tie wall materials to the
main structure of the building.
Steel wall ties are to be at a
maximum of 40cm spacing.
Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing
Example of a cross bracing system
for the walls, roof, and also for the
columns under the house for a
wooden house structure. The
cross bracing system provides
strength against lateral forces so
that the building does not collapse
sideways but is held together. This
is a system used in traditional
houses and needs to be continued
in modern houses.
 Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing
Wall material must be tied to the building structure with metal
ties. Metal wall ties are to be hooked at the end.

Fig. Wall material with metal ties

All wall openings are to be tied to wall material.

Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing

A good example of how to insert

wall ties into columns before they
were constructed, so that walls
will be well tied in to the structural
columns.
Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing
Good tying practice. An
illustration for a wooden frame
building, where metal ties are
used to tie wall materials to the
main structure of the building.
Steel wall ties are to be at a
maximum of 40cm spacing.
.
 Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing
For reinforced concrete frame buildings with CHB walls, ties are to
be cast into columns at 40cm spacing, and are to be a minimum of
8mm diameter.

All houses are to have completely framed pitched triangular roof

trusses. Roof trusses are to be placed over columns and tied to
them.

Most roof truss joints, and particularly central ones, are to be

bolted, not nailed.
 Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing
Roof truss joints of 3 or more elements are to have a metal strap
joining each roof component.

Wood blocks are to be used for fixing purlins to roof trusses.

Fig. Wood blocks for fixing purlins Fig. Metal Straps in Roofing System
 Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing
Joints in roof structural wood are to be made with step joints, not
with 45º cuts.

Joints in roof structure are not to be made near the middle of a

span.

All wooden parts of a house structure are to be cross braced,

stumps, walls, and roof.

Wood roof structures are to be cross braced in both directions.

Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Structural Framing

Bad jointing practice. Roof

structure joined near mid span
with a 45 degree joint. This is a
weak joint, not properly made,
and it will gradually give way,
leading to a sagging roof. It will not
support workers building or
working on the roof.
Earthquake-Resilient Design
Strategies
Wall And Window Openings

Openings in load bearing walls

should not be within a distance of
h/6 from inner corner for the
purpose of providing lateral support
to cross walls, where ‘h’ is the storey
height up to eaves level.
 References

Guidelines for Disaster-Resilient Buildings/Structured

http://uap-ea.blogspot.com/2015/05/guidelines-for-disaster-
resilient.html

Handbook on Good Building Design and Construction In The

Philippines prepared by the GTZ office Manila, UNDP Regional
Center in Bangkok and the secretariat of the International Strategy
for Disaster Reduction, 2008
 The End!

UWIAN NA!