Reconnaissance of Damage to Physical Structures in the Gulf States From Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Published

February 19, 2017

Author(s)

William P. Fritz

Abstract

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) led reconnaissance to assess the performance of physical structures during Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. This paper summarizes 1) the major findings of the NIST-led reconnaissance team, 2) analysis of environmental actions (wind speed, storm surge, and flooding) that were present during the hurricanes in regions that were affected by the hurricanes, and 3) the team s observations of damage to major buildings, infrastructure, and residential structures resulting from wind and wind-borne debris, storm surge and surge-borne debris, and flooding. Storm surge and flooding caused the most extensive damage, completely devastating most physical structures in their paths. Damage due to wind and wind borne debris was also prevalent in most areas of the reconnaissance.

Proceedings Title

UJNR Panel on Wind and Seismic Effects | 38th | US-Japan workshop | UJNR

Conference Dates

May 1, 2006

Conference Location

Undefined

Conference Title

UJNR Proceedings

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

building codes and standards, building practices, flooding, hurricane, major buildings, physical infrastructure, residential structures, storm surge, surge-borne debris

Citation

Fritz, W. (2017), Reconnaissance of Damage to Physical Structures in the Gulf States From Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, UJNR Panel on Wind and Seismic Effects | 38th | US-Japan workshop | UJNR, Undefined (Accessed January 20, 2025)