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Mitigation Assessment Team Report Spring 2011 Tornadoes: April 25-28 and May 22, Building Performance Observations, Recommendations, and Technical Guidance, 2012
- Front Cover
- Disclaimer
- Title Page
- Members of the Mitigation Assessment Team
- Dedication
- Cover Photo Captions
- Executive Summary
- Observations
- Recommendations
- Table of Contents
[Go to Page]
- List of Figures
- List of Tables
- Chapter 1.
Introduction [Go to Page]
- 1.1 FEMA Mitigation Assessment Teams [Go to Page]
- 1.1.1 Purpose of the 2011 Tornado Mitigation Assessment Team
- 1.1.2 Team Composition
- 1.1.3 Methodology
- 1.1.4 Types of Buildings and Structures Assessed by the MAT
- 1.1.5 Involvement of State and Local Agencies
- 1.1.6 Past Tornado MAT Deployments
- 1.2 Terminology and Background for
Tornado Protection Alternatives
- 1.3 2011 Tornado Recovery Advisories
- 1.4 Organization of Report
- Chapter 2. Meteorological Background and Tornado Events of 2011 [Go to Page]
- 2.1 Tornado Prediction
- 2.2 Enhanced Fujita Scale
- 2.3 Tornado Winds and Damage Patterns
- 2.4 National Weather Service Tornado Warning Strategies and Ratings [Go to Page]
- 2.4.1 Tornado Watches and Warnings
- 2.4.2 NWS EF Rating Assignments
- 2.5 Tornado Events of Spring 2011 [Go to Page]
- 2.5.1 April 25–28, 2011 Tornadoes in the Mid-South Area of the United States [Go to Page]
- 2.5.1.1 April 18–24, 2011
- 2.5.1.2 April 25, 2011
- 2.5.1.3 April 26, 2011
- 2.5.1.4 April 27, 2011, 2:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- 2.5.1.5 April 27, 2011, 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Philadelphia, MS, Tornado #24, and Cullman, AL, Tornado #38
- 2.5.1.6 April 27, 2011, 3:00 p.m.: Hackleburg to Huntsville, AL, Tornado #40
- 2.5.1.7 April 27, 2011, 3:30 p.m.: Smithville, MS, Tornado #43
- 2.5.1.8 April 27, 2011, 3:38 p.m.: Cordova, AL, Tornado #41/#49
- 2.5.1.9 April 27, 2011: Macon County Supercell Thunderstorm, Tornado #46
- 2.5.2 May 22, 2011 Storms in Missouri [Go to Page]
- 2.5.2.1 Summary of Synoptic Setting and Mesoscale Environment
- 2.5.2.2 Damage and Path of the Joplin Tornado
- Chapter 3.
Design and Construction Considerations [Go to Page]
- 3.1 Effects of Wind Loading on Structures
- 3.2 Wind-Borne Debris [Go to Page]
- 3.2.1 Missile Types and Sizes
- 3.2.2 Wind-Borne Missile Quantity
- 3.3 Federal, State, and Local Regulations [Go to Page]
- 3.3.1 International Building Code and International Residential Code
- 3.3.2 International Codes and Storm Shelters
- 3.3.3 State and Local Codes and Regulations in Areas Visited by the MAT [Go to Page]
- 3.3.3.1 Alabama
- 3.3.3.2 Georgia
- 3.3.3.3 Mississippi
- 3.3.3.4 Tennessee
- 3.3.3.5 Missouri
- Chapter 4.
Observations on Residential Building Performance [Go to Page]
- 4.1 One- and Two-Family Residences [Go to Page]
- 4.1.1 EF Rating Evaluation of Residential Buildings
- 4.1.2 Description of Progressive Damage for One- and Two-Family
Residential Buildings
- 4.1.3 Loss of Roof Covering and Exterior Siding (DOD 2)
- 4.1.4 Glazing Damage (DOD 3)
- 4.1.5 Garage Doors Collapse Inward (DOD 4)
- 4.1.6 Uplift of Roof Decks (DOD 4)
- 4.1.7 Gable End Walls: Vulnerability Related to Uplift of Roof Deck (DOD 4)
- 4.1.8 Entire House Shifts Off Foundation (DOD 5)
- 4.1.9 Roof Structure Removed (DOD 6)
- 4.1.10 Collapse of Framed Walls (DOD 6–9)
- 4.1.11 Wall Framing-to-Foundation Connection Failure:
Damage Related to Collapse of Framed Walls (DOD 7–9)
- 4.2 Multi-Family Residences [Go to Page]
- 4.2.1 EF Rating Evaluation of Multi-Family Residential Buildings
- 4.2.1 Chastain Manor Apartments (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- 4.2.3 Mercy Village Apartments (Joplin, MO)
- 4.3 Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations
- Chapter 5.
Observations on Commercial and Industrial Building Performance [Go to Page]
- 5.1 Tilt-Up Precast Concrete Walls with Steel Joist Roof System [Go to Page]
- 5.1.1 Description of Construction Method and Load Path
- 5.1.2 Typical Failure Modes Observed by the MAT
- 5.1.3 Home Depot (Joplin, MO)
- 5.2 Load Bearing Masonry with Steel Joist Roof System [Go to Page]
- 5.2.1 Description of Construction Methods and Load Path
- 5.2.2 Typical Failure Modes Observed by the MAT
- 5.2.3 Strip Mall – Dry Cleaner, Two Large Retail Stores, and Other Stores (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- 5.2.4 Jefferson Metro Care (Birmingham, AL)
- 5.2.5 Walmart (Joplin, MO)
- 5.3 Light Steel Frame Buildings [Go to Page]
- 5.3.1 Description of Construction Method and Load Path
- 5.3.2 Typical Failure Modes Observed by the MAT
- 5.3.3 Fitness Center (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- 5.3.4 St. Paul's United Methodist Church (Joplin, MO)
- 5.4 Reinforced Concrete Frame with CMU Infill Walls [Go to Page]
- 5.4.1 Description of Construction Method and Load Path
- 5.4.2 Typical Failure Modes Observed by the MAT
- 5.4.3 Ozark Center for Autism (Joplin, MO)
- 5.5 Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations
- Chapter 6.
Observations on Critical Facility Performance: Schools [Go to Page]
- 6.1 Building Performance [Go to Page]
- 6.1.1 Alberta Elementary School (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- 6.1.2 University Place Elementary School (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- 6.1.3 Ringgold High School and Ringgold Middle School (Ringgold, GA) [Go to Page]
- 6.1.3.1 Ringgold High School
- 6.1.3.2 Ringgold Middle School
- 6.1.4 Joplin East Middle School (Joplin, MO)
- 6.1.5 Joplin High School (Joplin, MO)
- 6.2 Operational Issues [Go to Page]
- 6.2.1 Severe Weather Policy
- 6.2.2 Severe Weather Communication and Decision Making
- 6.2.3 Changes for the Future
- 6.2.4 Summary
- 6.3 Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations
- Chapter 7.
Observations on Critical Facility Performance: Healthcare, First Responder, and Emergency Operations Centers [Go to Page]
- 7.1 Hospitals and Health Care Facilities [Go to Page]
- 7.1.1 Birmingham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Birmingham, AL)
- 7.1.2 LaRocca Nursing Home (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- 7.1.3 Greenbriar Nursing Home (Joplin, MO)
- 7.1.4 St. John's Medical Center (Joplin, MO)
- 7.2 First Responder Facilities (Police and Fire) [Go to Page]
- 7.2.1 Fultondale Municipal Complex (Fultondale, AL) [Go to Page]
- 7.2.1.1 Fire Department
- 7.2.1.2 Library and “Shelter”
- 7.2.1.3 Building and Inspections Department
- 7.2.1.4 City Hall
- 7.2.1.5 Summary of MAT EF Ratings for the Fulton Dale Municipal Complex
- 7.2.2 Tuscaloosa Fire Station 4 (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- 7.2.3 Webster's Chapel Volunteer Fire Department (Wellington, AL)
- 7.2.4 Smithville Police Department (Smithville, MS)
- 7.3 Emergency Operations Centers [Go to Page]
- 7.3.1 Tuscaloosa EOC (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- 7.3.2 Cullman County EOC (Cullman, AL)
- 7.4 Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations
- Chapter 8.
Observations on Infrastructure Performance [Go to Page]
- 8.1 Water Treatment and Distribution Facilities [Go to Page]
- 8.1.1 Tuscaloosa Water Works (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- 8.1.2 Smithville Water Treatment and Distribution System (Smithville, MS)
- 8.2 WasteWater Treatment Facilities [Go to Page]
- 8.2.1 Tuscaloosa Waste Water Treatment Plant and Collection System (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- 8.3 Towers (Communications and Antennas) [Go to Page]
- 8.3.1 Free-Standing Towers [Go to Page]
- 8.3.1.1 Latticed 250-Foot EMS Communications Tower (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- 8.3.1.2 Latticed 300-Foot Cellular Tower (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- 8.3.1.3 Solid Cellular Tower, 13th Street (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- 8.3.2 Guyed Towers [Go to Page]
- 8.3.2.1 300-Foot Guyed Cellular Tower (Smithville, MS)
- 8.4 Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations
- Chapter 9.
Observations on Tornado Refuge Areas, Hardened Areas, and Safe Rooms [Go to Page]
- 9.1 Terminology and Examples [Go to Page]
- 9.1.1 Hardened Areas: Areas Designed to Provide Some Protection
- 9.1.2 Storm Shelters and Safe Rooms: Areas Designed for Life-Safety Protection
- 9.2 Tornado Refuge Areas [Go to Page]
- 9.2.1 Tornado Refuge Areas in Residences [Go to Page]
- 9.2.1.1 Core Remnants
- 9.2.1.2 Basement Areas
- 9.2.1.3 Tornado Refuge Areas in Multi-Family Buildings or Complexes
- 9.2.2 Tornado Refuge in Commercial and Industrial Buildings:
Planned Tornado Refuge Areas [Go to Page]
- 9.2.2.1 Walmart (Joplin, MO )
- 9.2.2.2 Lowe's Home Improvement Store (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- 9.2.2.3 Home Depot (Joplin, MO)
- 9.3 Hardened Structures, Rooms, and Areas Not Designed to Defined Criteria [Go to Page]
- 9.3.1 Hardened Structures for Residential Use [Go to Page]
- 9.3.1.1 Below-Ground Applications
- 9.3.1.2 Above-Ground Applications
- 9.3.2 Hardened Structures Used as Community Tornado Refuge Areas [Go to Page]
- 9.3.2.1 Above-Ground Applications
- 9.3.2.2 Below-Ground Applications
- 9.4 Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters [Go to Page]
- 9.4.1 Above- and Below-Ground Alternatives
- 9.4.2 Prefabricated versus Site-Built Alternatives
- 9.4.3 Residential Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters [Go to Page]
- 9.4.3.1 Below-Ground Applications
- 9.4.3.2 Above-Ground Applications
- 9.4.4 Non-Residential and Community Safe Rooms [Go to Page]
- 9.4.4.1 Brookwood and Phil Campbell Community Safe Rooms (AL)
- 9.4.4.2 Brookside Fire Station and Community Safe Room (Brookside, AL)
- 9.4.4.3 Seneca Intermediate School (Seneca, MO)
- 9.5 Travel Time to Community Safe Rooms, Storm Shelters, and Tornado Refuge Areas
- 9.6 Compliance Issues with FEMA 320, FEMA 361, and the ICC 500 [Go to Page]
- 9.6.1 Identifying Design Criteria Used for Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters
- 9.6.2 Accessibility to Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters
- 9.6.3 Ventilation for Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters
- 9.6.4 Toilet Facilities for Community Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters
- 9.6.5 Location and Labeling of Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters
- 9.6.6 Tools and Other Equipment within Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters
- 9.7 Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations
- Chapter 10.
Conclusions of the 2011 Tornado MAT [Go to Page]
- 10.1 Codes and Standards [Go to Page]
- 10.1.1 Residential Buildings
- 10.1.2 Commercial and Industrial Buildings
- 10.1.3 Critical Facilities
- 10.1.4 Infrastructure Facilities
- 10.1.5 Tornado Refuge Areas, Hardened Areas, and Safe Rooms
- 10.2 Performance of Residential Buildings
- 10.3 Performance of Commercial and Industrial Buildings [Go to Page]
- 10.3.1 Communications and Operations
- 10.3.2 Building Performance/Building Design
- 10.4 Performance of Critical Facility Buildings
- 10.5 Performance of Infrastructure Facilities
- 10.6 Performance of Tornado Refuge Areas, Hardened Areas, and Safe Rooms [Go to Page]
- 10.6.1 General
- 10.6.2 Residential Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters
- 10.6.3 Community Safe Rooms, Storm Shelters, and Tornado Refuge Areas
- 10.7 EF Scale
- 10.8 Post-Tornado Imagery
- Chapter 11.
Recommendations of the 2011 Tornado MAT [Go to Page]
- 11.1 Codes and Standards [Go to Page]
- 11.1.1 Residential Buildings
- 11.1.2 Commercial and Industrial Buildings
- 11.1.3 Critical Facilities
- 11.1.4 Tornado Refuge Areas, Hardened Areas, and Safe Rooms
- 11.2 Residential Construction
- 11.3 Commercial and Industrial Construction [Go to Page]
- 11.3.1 Occupant Notification and Operations
- 11.3.2 Detailing and Connections
- 11.4 Critical Facilities [Go to Page]
- 11.4.1 Existing Critical Facilities
- 11.4.2 New Critical Facilities
- 11.5 Infrastructure Facilities
- 11.6 Tornado Refuge Areas, Hardened Areas, and Safe Rooms
- 11.7 EF Scale
- 11.8 Post-Tornado Imagery
- Appendix A.
Acknowledgments [Go to Page]
- FEMA Contributors
- Other Contributors
- Appendix B. References
- Appendix C. Acronyms
- Appendix D. Glossary
- Appendix E.
EF Scale Summary
- Appendix F. Recovery Advisories for the Spring 2011 Tornadoes
- Appendix F. RA1
- Appendix F. RA2
- Appendix F. RA3
- Appendix F. RA4
- Appendix F. RA5
- Appendix F. RA6
- Appendix F. RA7
- Appendix G.
Recommendations for One- and Two-Family Residential Buildings [Go to Page]
- G.1 Purpose and Audience
- G.2 Background and Applicability
- G.3 Discussion of Recommendations [Go to Page]
- G.3.1 Building Envelope Components [Go to Page]
- G.3.1.1 Roof Coverings
- G.3.1.2 Wall Coverings
- G.3.1.3 Masonry Veneer Attachment
- G.3.1.4 Glazing (Doors and Windows)
- G.3.1.5 Garage Doors
- G.3.2 Roof Systems and Connections [Go to Page]
- G.3.2.1 Roof Decking and Decking Attachment
- G.3.2.2 Soffits
- G.3.2.3 Roof-to-Wall Connectors
- G.3.3.1 Sill Plate Attachment
- G.3.3.2 Wall Sheathing
- G.3.3.3 Top Plate Splices
- G.3.3.4 Openings in Walls
- G.3.3.5 Wall-to-Floor Connection
- G.4 References [Go to Page]
