Public buildings for post disaster function - structural engineering design experience

Abstract

The presentation is a focus on the design considerations and outcomes involved with the delivery of a structure within a cyclonic wind region. Specifically, the increased scrutiny and consideration of effects applied when designing a post disaster function structure to wind loadings imposed by high category cyclones, where the scope for design is often defined outside of the requirements of the Australian Standards. In particular, these structures are often of a public nature and are required to provide amenity for various activities and/or functions when not in use as a refuge or otherwise. The impacts on the design to require maintenance of amenity whilst performing in severe loading conditions requires careful consideration of the engineering inputs to achieve desirable building outcomes. This presentation will provide some insight into some of the common considerations and inputs that guide the design of post disaster function structures, as well as some of the aspects that ultimately shape the design outcomes, drawing on the author's experiences within this design field, and examples and learnings from some of those projects delivered.