Forensic Engineering Investigation Of 2005 Us Gulf Coast Hurricane Damages

Abstract

During The Summer And Fall Of 2005 The Us Gulf Coast Once Again Saw Damage From An Onslaught Of Hurricanes, Category 2 And Stronger. In All A Total Of Four Hurricanes Impacted The Us Gulf Coast From Southern Texas To The Southeastern Coast Of Florida. Each Storm Exhibited Very Different Characteristics With Distinct Modes Of Damage And Resulting Structural Failures. This Paper Presents A Summary Of The Damage And Resulting Modes Of Structural Failure Resulting From Each Storm. This Summary Was Made And Compiled By This Author Who Functioned As The State Of Floridas Lead Structures Specialist During The 2005 Storm Season. This Summary Was Based On Immediate Post-Event Reconnaissance As Well As Subsequent In-Depth Professional Investigations