Extent Of Structural Damage Due To Tornadic Winds

Abstract

In The Aftermath Of A Tornado The Need For An Evaluation Of The Extent Of Damage To Buildings Is Frequently Necessary From Both A Safety View And A Legal View. For A Restoration Contractor To Prepare An Accurate Repair Estimate, Structurally Damaged Members Must Be Identified. A Thorough Examination By A Professional Engineer Is Necessary To Identify Structural Damage. The Author Is Usually Retained By Insurance Adjusters To Perform This Evaluation, Though Attorneys And Individuals Sometimes Request The Service. Typically, The Adjuster Wants To Know What He Owes, The Attorney Wants To Know If The Settlement Offer Is Fair, And The Homeowner Wants To Know If His Home Will Be Safe Tomorrow. The Identification Process Is Clouded By The Fact That Buildings Are Oftentimes Leaning Or Out-Of Square When Originally Constructed. The Presence Of Inherent Damage Adds Another Variable. In Order That The Loss Can Be Properly Adjusted, A Differentiation Between Inherent And Sudden Damage Must Be Made. For The Purpose Of This Discussion, Structural Damage Is Defined As Harm Or Injury To The Load Bearing Members Of The Building That Decreases The Members Load Carrying Ability Or Shortens Its Expected Service Life...