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Home / Weather CATs / CATs Manuals / Wind Damage Table
Wind Damage Table
Peter Balingit – PLRB Catastrophe Services
I hope this discussion assists you. It is intended to present you with information about case law and other authority applicable to the interpretation of the relevant insurance policy provisions. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate. It does not, however, constitute a substitute for legal advice as to the law of a particular jurisdiction as applied in the full factual context of a particular claim.
Any opinions of the staff of the Property Loss Research Bureau/Liability Insurance Research Bureau that may be expressed in the discussion are incidental to the presentation of information including case law and other authority applicable to the interpretation of the relevant insurance policy provisions. Any such opinions are those of the staff and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the membership. Furthermore, any such opinions of the staff do not represent an indication or prediction of any future action or position of any member insurer. You should consult with your company’s management to determine your company’s positions on the issues discussed. Note that the discussion is for internal use only.
Confidentiality Notice
Property Loss Research Bureau/Liability Insurance Research Bureau members may reproduce this material or any portion of it for the exclusive use of their employees. Any other reproduction or distribution of this material or any portion of it without the express written consent of the Bureau is strictly prohibited.
Members shall hold all information including publications, educational materials, and opinions received from the Bureau, in strict confidence. Every communication from the Bureau is confidential unless it is specifically stated therein that it is not.
Members shall not divulge any information furnished to them by the Bureau to any person who is not an officer or employee of the member without specific written permission of the Bureau. No member may furnish information originally received from the Bureau to any organization affiliated with the member, unless the member possesses a letter from the Bureau Chair, written on authority of resolution of the Bureau’s Board of Directors, specifically authorizing the member to furnish information to such organization.
The following information has been adapted from “A Recommendation for an Enhanced Fujita Scale” by the Wind and Science Engineering Center, Texas Tech University, June 2004. The full text can be found at https://www.spc.noaa.gov/efscale/ef-ttu.pdf
**In the tables below:
EXP is the Expected 3-second wind gust, in MPH
LB is the Lower Boundary 3-second wind gust, in MPH
UB is the Upper Boundary 3-second wind gust, in MPH
DOD is the Degree of Damage, an identifier used by NWS Survey Teams
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- ONE-AND TWO-FAMILY RESIDENCES (FR12) (1000–5000 sq. ft.)
- MANUFACTURED HOMES – SINGLE WIDE (MHSW)
- MANUFACTURED HOME – DOUBLE WIDE (MHDW)
- APARTMENTS, CONDOMINIUMS AND TOWNHOUSES (ACT) (Three stories or less)
- MOTELS (M) Typical Construction
- MASONRY APARTMENTS OR MOTELS (MAM)
- SMALL RETAIL BUILDING (SRB)
- SMALL PROFESSIONAL BUILDING (SPB) (Single story, less than 5000 ft2)
- STRIP MALL (SM)
- LARGE SHOPPING MALL (LSM)
- LARGE ISOLATED RETAIL BUILDING (LIRB)
- AUTOMOBILE SHOWROOM (ASR)
- AUTOMOBILE SERVICE BUILDING (ASB)
- ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ES)
- JUNIOR OR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (JHSH)
- LOW-RISE BUILDING: 1–4 STORIES (LRB)
- MID-RISE BUILDING: 5–20 STORIES (MROB)
- HIGH-RISE BUILDING: GREATER THAN 20 STORIES (HROB)
- INSTITUTIONAL BUILDING (IB)
- METAL BUILDING SYSTEMS (MBS)
- SERVICE STATION CANOPY (SSC)
- WAREHOUSE BUILDING (WHB)
- ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINE (ETL)
- FREE-STANDING TOWERS (FST)
- FREE-STANDING LIGHT POLES, LUMINARY POLES, FLAG POLES (FSP) Typical Construction
- TREES: HARDWOOD Typical Construction
- TREES (SOFTWOOD) Typical Construction
ONE-AND TWO-FAMILY RESIDENCES (FR12) (1000–5000 sq. ft.)
Typical Construction
Asphalt shingles, tile, slate, or metal roof covering
Flat, gable, hip, mansard, or mono-sloped roof or combinations thereof
Plywood/OSB or wood plank roof deck
Prefabricated wood trusses or wood joist and rafter construction
Brick veneer, wood panels, stucco, EIFS, vinyl, or metal siding
Wood or metal stud walls, concrete blocks or insulating-concrete panels
Attached single or double garage
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 65 | 53 | 80 |
2 | Loss of roof covering material (<20%), gutters and/or awning; loss of vinyl or metal siding | 79 | 63 | 97 |
3 | Broken lass in doors and windows | 96 | 79 | 114 |
4 | Uplift of roof deck and loss of significant roof covering material (>20%); collapse of chimney; garage doors collapse inward; failure of porch or carport | 97 | 81 | 116 |
5 | Entire house shifts off foundation | 121 | 103 | 141 |
6 | Large sections of roof structure removed; most walls remain standing | 122 | 104 | 142 |
7 | Top floor exterior walls collapsed | 132 | 113 | 153 |
8 | Most interior walls of top story collapsed | 148 | 128 | 173 |
9 | Most walls collapsed in bottom floor, except small interior rooms | 152 | 127 | 178 |
10 | Total destruction of entire building | 170 | 142 | 198 |
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MANUFACTURED HOMES – SINGLE WIDE (MHSW)
Typical Construction
Steel undercarriage supported on concrete block piers
Metal straps and ground anchors (Frame and/or over-the-top strap anchors)
Asphalt shingles or one-piece metal roof covering
Wood roof joists
Metal, vinyl, or wood siding
Wood roof joists
Wood stud walls and partitions
Better construction in post 1974 models in coastal areas
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 61 | 51 | 76 |
2 | Loss of shingles or partial uplift of one-piece metal roof covering | 74 | 61 | 92 |
3 | Unit slides off block piers but remains upright | 87 | 72 | 103 |
4 | Complete uplift of roof; most walls remain standing | 89 | 73 | 112 |
5 | Unit rolls on its side or upside down; remains essentially intact | 98 | 84 | 114 |
6 | Destruction of roof and walls leaving floor and undercarriage in place | 105 | 87 | 123 |
7 | Unit rolls or vaults; roof and walls separate from floor and undercarriage | 109 | 96 | 128 |
8 | Undercarriage separates from unit; rolls, tumbles and is badly bent | 118 | 101 | 136 |
9 | Complete destruction of unit; debris blown away | 127 | 110 | 148 |
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MANUFACTURED HOME – DOUBLE WIDE (MHDW)
Typical Construction
Steel undercarriage supported on concrete block piers
Multi-unit connection at roof, floor, and end walls
Frame straps and ground anchors spaced at 10 – 12 ft apart
Flat, gable, or hip roof shape
Asphalt shingles or metal roof panels
Plywood/OSB roof decking
Wood rafter or shallow joist construction
Metal, vinyl, or wood siding
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 61 | 51 | 76 |
2 | Loss of shingles or other roof covering (<20%) | 76 | 62 | 88 |
3 | Damaged porches or carports | 78 | 67 | 96 |
4 | Broken windows | 83 | 68 | 95 |
5 | Uplift of roof deck and loss of significant roof covering material (>20%) | 88 | 75 | 108 |
6 | Complete uplift of roof; most walls remain standing | 93 | 77 | 110 |
7 | Unit slides off CMU block piers | 94 | 78 | 109 |
8 | Removal of entire roof structure leaving most walls standing | 97 | 80 | 117 |
9 | Complete destruction of roof and walls leaving undercarriage in place | 113 | 93 | 131 |
10 | Unit rolls, displaces or vaults | 114 | 82 | 130 |
11 | Undercarriage separates from floor, rolls and tumbles, badly bent | 127 | 109 | 145 |
12 | Complete destruction of unit; debris blows away | 134 | 119 | 154 |
MANUFACTURED HOME – DOUBLE WIDE (MHDW)
Typical Construction
Steel undercarriage supported on concrete block piers
Multi-unit connection at roof, floor, and end walls
Frame straps and ground anchors spaced at 10 – 12 ft apart
Flat, gable, or hip roof shape
Asphalt shingles or metal roof panels
Plywood/OSB roof decking
Wood rafter or shallow joist construction
Metal, vinyl, or wood siding
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 61 | 51 | 76 |
2 | Loss of shingles or other roof covering (<20%) | 76 | 62 | 88 |
3 | Damaged porches or carports | 78 | 67 | 96 |
4 | Broken windows | 83 | 68 | 95 |
5 | Uplift of roof deck and loss of significant roof covering material (>20%) | 88 | 75 | 108 |
6 | Complete uplift of roof; most walls remain standing | 93 | 77 | 110 |
7 | Unit slides off CMU block piers | 94 | 78 | 109 |
8 | Removal of entire roof structure leaving most walls standing | 97 | 80 | 117 |
9 | Complete destruction of roof and walls leaving undercarriage in place | 113 | 93 | 131 |
10 | Unit rolls, displaces or vaults | 114 | 82 | 130 |
11 | Undercarriage separates from floor, rolls and tumbles, badly bent | 127 | 109 | 145 |
12 | Complete destruction of unit; debris blows away | 134 | 119 |
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APARTMENTS, CONDOMINIUMS AND TOWNHOUSES (ACT) (Three stories or less)
Typical Construction
Flat, gable, hip, or mansard roof
Asphalt shingles, tile, metal, or BUR roof covering
Plywood/OSB roof decking
Light-framed wood or metal roof trusses
Wood, metal, or vinyl panels, stucco brick veneer or EIFS wall covering; combinations of wall coverings
Wood or metal stud walls
Wood floor diaphragms
Sliding patio doors; balconies
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 76 | 63 | 95 |
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 99 | 82 | 121 |
3 | Uplift of roof decking; significant loss of roof covering (>20%) | 124 | 107 | 146 |
4 | Uplift or collapse of roof structure leaving most walls standing | 138 | 120 | 158 |
5 | Most top story walls collapsed | 158 | 138 | 184 |
6 | Almost total destruction of top two stories | 180 | 155 | 205 |
7 | Total destruction of entire building |
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MOTELS (M) Typical Construction
Less than or equal to four stories
Facility made up of one or more multi-story, rectangular buildings
Flat, gable, hip, or mansard roof
Asphalt shingles, tile, slate, or BUR roof covering
Plywood/OSB roof decking
Wood or metal prefabricated roof trusses
Wood floor diaphragms
Wood or metal stud walls
Stucco, EIFS, wood, metal, or brick veneer wall cladding
Canopy over driveway at entrance
Exterior walkways or balconies
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 66 | 54 | 83 |
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 80 | 67 | 99 |
3 | Broken windows or patio doors | 89 | 74 | 107 |
4 | Uplift of roof decking; significant loss of roof covering (>20%);loss of EIFS wall cladding | 95 | 80 | 116 |
5 | Uplift or collapse of canopy over driveway | 99 | 81 | 118 |
6 | Uplift or collapse of roof structure leaving most walls standing | 123 | 103 | 143 |
7 | Collapse of top story exterior walls | 138 | 121 | 156 |
8 | Collapse of most top story walls | 143 | 127 | 162 |
9 | Collapse of top two floors of three or more stories | 170 | 144 | 185 |
10 | Total destruction of entire building | 190 | 163 | 217 |
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MASONRY APARTMENTS OR MOTELS (MAM)
Typical Construction
Less than or equal to four stories
Facility made up or one or more multi-story, rectangular buildings
Flat, gable, hip, or mansard roof
Asphalt shingles, tile, slate, or BUR roof
Light steel roof framing with metal deck and lightweight insulation
Pre-cast hollow-core concrete roof and floor system
Cast-in-place concrete roof and floor system
CMU non-bearing walls
CMU load-bearing walls
Stucco, EIFS, or brick veneer wall cladding
Exterior walkways or balconies
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 65 | 54 | 81 |
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 80 | 67 | 101 |
3 | Uplift of lightweight metal roof decking | 95 | 81 | 116 |
4 | Uplift of pre-cast or cast-in-place concrete roof decking | 121 | 103 | 143 |
5 | Collapse of top story walls | 133 | 115 | 150 |
6 | Collapse of top two floors of three or more stories | 156 | 132 | 180 |
7 | Total destruction of a large section of building | 180 | 160 | 205 |
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SMALL RETAIL BUILDING (SRB)
Typical Construction
Best example is fast-food restaurant
Flat, hip, gable, mansard, or monoslope roof
Asphalt shingles, metal panels, slate, tile, single-ply, or BUR roof covering
Plywood/OSB roof decking
Wood or metal roof structure consisting of trusses or rafters and joists
Wood or metal stud walls
Typically have large areas of window glass and double entry doors
Canopies, covered walkways, or porches
Wood, brick veneer, metal or vinyl siding, concrete blocks, EIFS, or stucco wall cladding
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 65 | 54 | 81 |
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 78 | 65 | 98 |
3 | Broken glass in windows and doors | 86 | 72 | 103 |
4 | Uplift of roof decking; significant loss of roof covering (>20%) | 98 | 81 | 119 |
5 | Canopies or covered walkways destroyed | 98 | 83 | 114 |
6 | Uplift or collapse of entire roof structure | 119 | 101 | 140 |
7 | Collapse of exterior walls; closely spaced interior walls remain standing | 138 | 120 | 159 |
8 | Total destruction of entire building | 167 | 143 | 193 |
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SMALL PROFESSIONAL BUILDING (SPB) (Single story, less than 5000 ft2)
Typical Construction
Flat, gable, hip, mansard, or mono-slope roofs with or without parapet
walls Asphalt shingles, tile, slate, metal panels, single-ply, or built-up roof covering Light-frame steel construction, steel joists and formed metal decking Load-bearing masonry construction with steel or wood roof structure Timber post and beam constructionWood or metal stud walls, non-bearing masonry wallsMetal or vinyl panels, stucco or EIFS cladding
Skylights and/or clearstories
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 65 | 54 | 81 |
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 78 | 65 | 98 |
3 | Broken windows, including clear story windows or skylights | 89 | 74 | 107 |
4 | Exterior doors fail | 100 | 82 | 118 |
5 | Uplift of roof decking; significant loss of roof covering (>20%); loss of rooftop HVAC equipment | 100 | 84 | 117 |
6 | Collapsed façade or parapet walls | 103 | 85 | 123 |
7 | Uplift or collapse of entire roof structure | 124 | 105 | 145 |
8 | Collapse of exterior walls; closely spaced interior walls remain standing | 144 | 123 | 165 |
9 | Total destruction of entire building | 157 | 148 | 200 |
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STRIP MALL (SM)
Typical Construction
Large, rectangular single-story building with large surrounding parking
lots Flat roof with parapet wall
Built-up roofing or single-ply roof membrane with rigid insulation
Wood or metal deck, wood-fiber cement panels
Light-frame steel roof support with steel joists or joist girders
Brick or concrete block wall construction
Large window glass and glass entry doors
Covered walkway attached to building
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 65 | 54 | 81 |
2 | Uplift of roof covering at eaves and roof corners | 80 | 66 | 100 |
3 | Broken windows or glass doors | 88 | 72 | 105 |
4 | Uplift of roof decking | 101 | 84 | 122 |
5 | Collapsed façade or parapet walls | 103 | 85 | 125 |
6 | Covered walkways uplifted or collapsed | 103 | 86 | 125 |
7 | Uplift or collapse of entire roof structure | 122 | 103 | 143 |
8 | Collapse of exterior walls; closely spaced interior walls remain standing | 140 | 117 | 165 |
9 | Complete destruction of all or a large section of building | 171 | 147 | 198 |
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LARGE SHOPPING MALL (LSM)
Typical Construction
Typically one or two stories
Flat roof; some areas with relatively large spans
Skylights and clear stories
Single-ply or BUR with or without roof gravel
Metal stud walls with brick veneer, stucco, or EIFS cladding
Light steel structural framing with open web joists, light metal framing or 3D space framing Glass at entries
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 71 | 59 | 86 |
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 85 | 69 | 105 |
3 | Broken skylights, clearstory windows and atrium walls broken | 92 | 75 | 114 |
4 | Uplift of some roof decking; significant loss of roofing material (>20%); loss of rooftop HVAC | 108 | 92 | 128 |
5 | Wall cladding stripped starting at corners and progressing to other areas | 111 | 94 | 131 |
6 | Roof structure uplifted or collapsed | 128 | 108 | 150 |
7 | Exterior walls in top story collapsed | 144 | 124 | 166 |
8 | Interior walls of top story collapse | 160 | 139 | 185 |
9 | Complete destruction of all or a large section of the building | 204 | 176 | 247 |
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LARGE ISOLATED RETAIL BUILDING (LIRB)
Typical Construction
Flat roof with BUR and gravel or single-ply membrane roof; generally has a 2-3 ft parapet Open web joists and steel girders or joist girders supported by tall pipe columns Metal deck with rigid insulation or lightweight concrete fill slab Large windows on front side of building
CMU walls, tilt-up concrete panels, metal stud walls covered with EIFS, or combinations of these
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 54 | 57 | 83 |
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 65 | 68 | 103 |
3 | Uplift of some roof decking; significant loss of roofing material (>20%); loss of rooftop HVAC | 71 | 87 | 123 |
4 | Long roof spans collapsed downward | 83 | 103 | 144 |
5 | Uplift and removal of roof structure | 85 | 114 | 157 |
6 | Inward or outward collapse of exterior walls | 98 | 118 | 158 |
7 | Complete destruction of all or a large section of the building | 110 | 147 | 201 |
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AUTOMOBILE SHOWROOM (ASR)
Typical Construction
Most showrooms are single-story buildings with flat roof
Roof system is BUR or single-ply membrane
Metal roof deck or plywood panels
Steel structural framing with open web steel joists
Metal stud walls with EIFS, stucco, or tilt-up panels
Exterior walls on 2 or 3 sides have large glass windows
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 65 | 47 | 80 |
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 80 | 67 | 101 |
3 | Broken glass in windows or doors | 87 | 71 | 106 |
4 | Uplift of some roof decking; significant loss of roofing material (>20%); loss of rooftop HVAC | 101 | 83 | 120 |
5 | Cladding stripped off walls | 112 | 94 | 132 |
6 | Uplift or collapse of roof structure | 118 | 98 | 140 |
7 | Exterior walls collapsed | 126 | 106 | 148 |
8 | Complete destruction of all or a large section of the building | 157 | 138 | 181 |
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AUTOMOBILE SERVICE BUILDING (ASB)
General Description
Single story building with flat roof and relatively tall walls with parapet
Roof coverings are typically BUR with gravel or single-ply membrane
Roof structure is light steel framing or open web steel joists and metal roof deck Exterior walls are concrete masonry or precast tilt-up panels
Numerous large metal overhead doors
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 63 | 46 | 79 |
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 78 | 65 | 99 |
3 | Failure of large overhead doors | 91 | 77 | 110 |
4 | Uplift of some roof decking; significant loss of roofing material (>20%); loss of rooftop HVAC | 98 | 80 | 119 |
5 | Collapse of non-bearing masonry or tilt-up walls | 114 | 94 | 134 |
6 | Uplift or collapse of roof structure | 121 | 102 | 143 |
7 | Collapse of load-bearing walls | 128 | 106 | 149 |
8 | Complete destruction of all or a large section of the building | 157 | 138 | 181 |
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (ES)
General Description
These buildings are typically single story with flat roofs
Building may contain a small gym or cafeteria with moderately long spans between supports Buildings have long interior hallways with bearing or non-bearing walls BUR, single-ply membrane, or metal standing seam roof panels Metal or plywood roof decking supporting a light-weight poured gypsum deck Roof structure consists of open web steel joists bearing on exterior walls and steel interior girders
Exterior non-bearing walls constructed with CMUs, glass curtain walls or metal studs with brick veneer, stucco, or EIFS cladding
CMU bearing walls with brick veneer, stucco, or EIFS cladding
Walls can have a large percentage of window glass
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 65 | 47 | 80 |
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 79 | 66 | 99 |
3 | Broken windows | 87 | 71 | 106 |
4 | Exterior door failures | 99 | 85 | 118 |
5 | Uplift of some roof decking; significant loss of roofing material (>20%); loss of rooftop HVAC | 101 | 82 | 121 |
6 | Damage to or loss of wall cladding | 108 | 92 | 127 |
7 | Uplift or collapse of roof structure | 125 | 108 | 148 |
8 | Collapse of non-bearing walls | 139 | 117 | 162 |
9 | Collapse of load-bearing walls | 153 | 130 | 180 |
10 | Total destruction of a large section of building or entire building | 176 | 152 | 203 |
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JUNIOR OR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (JHSH)
General Description
Generally large one or two-story buildings with flat roofs May contain gymnasiums, cafeteria, and auditorium with large structural spans; may have a basement Classroom wings have interior hallways with bearing or non-bearing interior walls BUR or single-ply membrane roof covering with or without gravel
Structural system may consist of an all steel structure or an all reinforced concrete structure or a combination of both Roof structure may be light steel construction with open web joists supported on steel beams; corrugated metal roof deck with rigid insulation or poured gypsum deck Exterior walls constructed of concrete or clay blocks with brick veneer, stucco, or EIFS; metal and glass curtain walls; walls may have more than 30% windows
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB | ||
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 68 | 55 | 83 | ||
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 79 | 66 | 99 | ||
3 | Broken windows | 87 | 71 | 106 | ||
4 | Exterior door failures | 101 | 83 | 121 | ||
5 | Uplift of metal roof decking; significant loss of roofing material (>20%); loss of rooftop HVAC | 101 | 85 | 119 | ||
6 | Damage to or loss of wall cladding | 108 | 92 | 127 | ||
7 | Collapse of tall masonry walls at gym, cafeteria or auditorium | 114 | 94 | 136 | ||
8 | Uplift or collapse of light steel roof structure | 125 | 108 | 148 | ||
9 | Collapse of exterior walls in top floor | 139 | 121 | 153 | ||
10 | Most interior walls of top floor collapsed | 158 | 133 | 186 | ||
11 | Total destruction of a large section of building envelope | 192 | 163 | 224 | ||
12 | Significant damage to steel or concrete structural system |
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LOW-RISE BUILDING: 1–4 STORIES (LRB)
General Description
Generally consist of rectangular modules but can be “odd shaped” in plan
Most will have flat roofs but can have gable, hip, or mansard shapes
Roofing materials include BUR, single-ply membrane, metal panels, or standing seam Roof deck is wood or metal deck, poured gypsum deck, or concrete slab Steel or reinforced concrete structural frame
Glass and metal curtain walls, metal studs with EIFS, non-bearing masonry walls with stucco, or brick veneer Examples are office buildings, medical facilities, and bank buildings.
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 68 | 55 | 83 |
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 80 | 67 | 103 |
3 | Uplift of metal roof decking at eaves and roof corners: significant loss of roofing material (>20%) | 101 | 83 | 120 |
4 | Broken glass in windows, entryways or atriums | 101 | 83 | 122 |
5 | Uplift of lightweight roof structure | 133 | 114 | 157 |
6 | Significant damage to exterior walls and some interior walls | 143 | 122 | 167 |
7 | Complete destruction of all or a large section of building | 188 | 161 | 221 |
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MID-RISE BUILDING: 5–20 STORIES (MROB)
General Description
Generally consist of rectangular shapes but can have curved or triangular footprints Roofs are generally flat; may have an elevator/mechanical penthouse; parapet walls Structural frame is steel or reinforced concrete
Roofing materials are BUR or single-ply membrane with or without gravel
Penthouse is steel framing with metal panels, or metal studs with stucco or EIFS Exterior cladding is glass or metal curtain walls; pre-cast concrete window wall panels or a combination of the two Roof structure consists of metal deck, poured gypsum deck or concrete slab Examples are office buildings, medical facilities, and residential buildings
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 70 | 58 | 86 |
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 83 | 68 | 103 |
3 | Damage to penthouse roof and walls; loss of rooftop HVAC equipment | 92 | 75 | 113 |
4 | Damage to parapet walls or coping | 99 | 83 | 118 |
5 | Broken glass in curtain walls; glass in entryways; significant damage to building interior | 101 | 83 | 120 |
6 | Uplift of lightweight roof decking; significant loss of roofing material (>20%) | 119 | 98 | 140 |
7 | Broken curtain wall panel anchors | 129 | 110 | 150 |
8 | Uplift or collapse of roof structure | 136 | 118 | 158 |
9 | Significant damage to curtain walls and some interior walls | 145 | 120 | 167 |
10 | Permanent structural deformation | 210 | 181 | 268 |
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image082.jpg)
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HIGH-RISE BUILDING: GREATER THAN 20 STORIES (HROB)
General Description
Generally consist of rectangular shapes but can have curved or triangle footprint Roofs are generally flat but may have a more complex roof shape as part of esthetic statement Roofing material single-ply membrane fully adhered, polyurethane foam roof, metal, or copper clad roof covering Penthouse is steel framing with metal panels
Exterior cladding is glass or metal curtain walls or pre-cast concrete window panels First floor often has very large glass areas that are susceptible to debris impact
Atriums with overhead glazing or tall window walls
Examples are hotels, office buildings, and condominiums
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 70 | 58 | 86 |
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 86 | 69 | 107 |
3 | Damage to penthouse roof and walls; loss of rooftop HVAC equipment | 93 | 75 | 111 |
4 | Broken glass in exterior walls at 1st and 2nd floors; broken glass in entryways | 101 | 83 | 120 |
5 | Damage to parapet walls or coping | 104 | 87 | 122 |
6 | Broken curtain wall panel anchors | 129 | 110 | 157 |
7 | Significant loss of roofing material (>20%) | 143 | 115 | 165 |
8 | Significant damage to curtain walls and interior walls | 145 | 123 | 172 |
9 | Uplift or collapse of roof structure | 159 | 123 | 183 |
10 | Significant structural deformation | 228 | 190 | 290 |
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image088.jpg)
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image090.jpg)
INSTITUTIONAL BUILDING (IB)
General Description
Examples are hospitals, courthouses, university buildings, state and federal buildings, jails Range in height from 1 – 10 stories
Roofing materials include fully adhered and mechanically fastened
single-ply membranes, polyurethane foam, copper clad domes Structure is normally reinforced concrete Walls are masonry with cut stone or precast panels – very ornate Balcones, porches, and porticos with heavy
façade Relatively small windows
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 72 | 59 | 88 |
2 | Loss of roof covering (<20%) | 86 | 72 | 109 |
3 | Damage to penthouse roof and walls; loss of rooftop HVAC equipment | 92 | 75 | 111 |
4 | Broken glass in windows or doors | 95 | 78 | 115 |
5 | Uplift of lightweight roof deck and insulation; significant loss of roofing material (>20%) | 114 | 95 | 136 |
6 | Façade components torn from structure | 118 | 97 | 140 |
7 | Damage curtain walls or other wall cladding | 131 | 110 | 152 |
8 | Uplift of pre-cast concrete roof slabs | 142 | 119 | 163 |
9 | Uplift of metal deck with concrete fill slab | 146 | 118 | 170 |
10 | Collapse of some top story exterior walls | 148 | 127 | 172 |
11 | Significant damage to building envelope | 210 | 178 | 268 |
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image092.jpg)
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image094.jpg)
METAL BUILDING SYSTEMS (MBS)
General Description
Examples are warehouses, industrial facilities, small arenas
Metal panel walls and standing seam roof
Nearly always have a gable roof and relatively tall walls
Large overhead doors
Large-span single bay rigid frames
Z or C-shaped purlins and girts span between rigid frames
Lateral loads resisted by x-bracing in direction parallel to ridge
Relatively weak end-wall frame
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 67 | 54 | 83 |
2 | Inward or outward collapsed of overhead doors | 89 | 75 | 108 |
3 | Metal roof or wall panels pulled from the building | 95 | 78 | 120 |
4 | Column anchorage failed | 117 | 96 | 135 |
5 | Buckling of roof purlins | 118 | 95 | 138 |
6 | Failure of X-braces in the lateral load resisting system | 138 | 118 | 158 |
7 | Progressive collapse of rigid frames | 143 | 120 | 168 |
8 | Total destruction of building | 155 | 132 | 178 |
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image096.jpg)
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image098.jpg)
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SERVICE STATION CANOPY (SSC)
Typical Construction
Modern service stations consist of a very large canopy covering the entire pump area and small building that houses cashier and retail space Canopy structure constructed of steel beam framework supported on 4 or more tall columns Metal panels cover bottom side of the canopy Light weight fascia materials, either metal or plastic, cover the perimeter of canopy
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 63 | 45 | 79 |
2 | Fascia material blown from canopy | 78 | 64 | 96 |
3 | Metal roof panels stripped from canopy | 92 | 74 | 113 |
4 | Columns bend or buckle under wind load | 109 | 88 | 135 |
5 | Canopy collapsed due to column foundation failure | 114 | 90 | 144 |
6 | Complete destruction of canopy | 133 | 110 | 163 |
22. SERVICE STATION CANOPY (SSC)
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image102.jpg)
WAREHOUSE BUILDING (WHB)
General Description
This category includes all building systems except Metal Building Systems
Examples include warehouse, storage, and industrial buildings
Buildings are generally rectangular in plan with flat, gable or hip roofs
Built-up roofs with gravel, single-ply membrane ballasted, mechanically
attached or fully adhered Light-frame steel construction with masonry bearing walls Large overhead doors Pre-cast concrete columns, beams, and double tees with tilt-up wall panels Heavy timber construction with stud walls and wood panels
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 68 | 55 | 83 |
2 | Loss of roofing material (<20%) | 83 | 69 | 105 |
3 | Inward or outward collapse of overhead doors | 88 | 75 | 107 |
4 | Uplift of roof deck; significant loss of roofing material (>20%); loss of rooftop HVAC equipment | 103 | 88 | 122 |
5 | Collapse of other non-bearing exterior walls | 114 | 93 | 126 |
6 | Collapse of pre-cast concrete tilt-up panels | 124 | 102 | 144 |
7 | Total destruction of a large section of building or entire building | 158 | 131 | 186 |
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image104.jpg)
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image106.jpg)
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image108.jpg)
ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINE (ETL)
Typical Construction
Single wood poles with wood cross arms
Single steel or concrete poles with metal cross arms
Metal trussed towers
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Threshold of visible damage | 83 | 70 | 98 |
2 | Broken wood cross member | 99 | 80 | 114 |
3 | Wood poles leaning | 108 | 85 | 130 |
4 | Broken wood poles | 118 | 98 | 142 |
5 | Broken or bent steel or concrete poles | 138 | 115 | 149 |
6 | Collapsed metal truss towers | 141 | 116 | 165 |
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image110.jpg)
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image112.jpg)
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TREES: HARDWOOD Typical Construction
Hardwood: Oak, Maple, Birch, Ash
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Small limbs broken (up to 1” diameter) | 60 | 48 | 72 |
2 | Large branches broken (1”-3” diameter) | 74 | 61 | 88 |
3 | Trees uprooted | 91 | 76 | 118 |
4 | Trunks snapped | 110 | 93 | 134 |
5 | Trees debarked with only stubs of largest branches remaining | 143 | 123 | 167 |
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image118.jpg)
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image120.jpg)
![](https://www.plrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image122.jpg)
TREES (SOFTWOOD) Typical Construction
Softwood: Pine, Spruce, Fir, Hemlock, Cedar, Redwood, Cypress
DOD* | Damage description | EXP | LB | UB |
1 | Small limbs broken (up to 1” diameter) | 60 | 48 | 72 |
2 | Large branches broken (1” – 3” diameter) | 75 | 62 | 88 |
3 | Trees uprooted | 87 | 73 | 113 |
4 | Trunks snapped | 104 | 88 | 128 |
5 | Trees debarked with only stubs of largest branches remaining | 131 | 112 | 153 |