This paper studies structural vulnerability of steel roofing and walls subjected to tornado-induced load. Using Finite Element (FE) method, the presented methodology will predict the successive stages of structural damage by a translating tornado. Wind pressure experimental data was applied to the FE model as the dynamic effects of changing pressures. The results of FE analysis show that the model case with a dominant opening is more vulnerable than the model case without it and extensive failure is observed under the maximum tangential velocity of 60m/s and more, which is consistent with past actual damage. The methodology described here will enable accurate prediction of tornado-induced damage to cladding of low-rise buildings.
