Moore, Oklahoma, Tornado of 2013: Performance of Schools and Critical Facilities

Moore, Oklahoma, Tornado of 2013: Performance of Schools and Critical Facilities presents the observations, findings, and recommendations of a team of structural engineers and construction specialists who assessed the structural damage to nonresidential buildings. Topics include: a history of significant tornado events in Moore, Oklahoma; results of damage assessments and a summary of observations for a medical center, five schools, a bowling alley, and a strip mall; a survey of building codes and relevant standards used in Moore; and conclusions with recommendations. An appendix discusses the Enhanced Fujita scale and presents estimates for several locations in Moore. The damage assessments and, more importantly, the recommendations for strengthening new and existing critical facilities will be of interest to structural engineers, architects, building owners, local officials, and code developers working to reduce the damage caused by high-wind events.