A STUDY ON WIND VELOCITY ESTIMATED FROM DEGREE OF TIMBER STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO DEVELOP A METHOD TO RATE THE INTENSITY OF TORNADOES

Abstract

This paper illustrates a study on instantaneous wind velocity which is estimated to generate structural damage in timber structures subjected to the effect of tornadoes. The wind velocities were organized on the basis of the degree of timber structural damage. For the calculation, shear strength model of upper structure and past data of component testing were incorporated into the strength characteristics of each damaged portion. The variation of the strength was reflected on the velocity range between lower and upper bounds. Since the wind velocities were calculated using limited information and condition, several suggested ways to select appropriate velocity were provided for the rational rating of tornado intensity.