Sponsored by the Task Committee for the Study of the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina of the Architectural Engineering Institute of ASCE. This report assesses the performance of essential buildings in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina. Essential buildings are expected to be minimally damaged and remain operational during extreme events. Yet of five facilities inspected, only one performed successfully as a storm shelter during Hurricane Katrina. What happened? This report presents the findings of a team from ASCE's Architectural Engineering Institute whose members examined five facilities in New Orleans on a single day in December 2005. Topics include: Mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) systems Building envelopes Structural systems Fire protection and life safety systems Communication systems The final chapter presents a new approach to multidisciplinary risk assessment and encourages investigators conducting building evaluations in the aftermath of catastrophic events to adopt and build upon this methodology.

Book Information
ISBN 9780784411346
Author Adam W. Hapij
Format Paperback
Page Count 124
Imprint American Society of Civil Engineers
Publisher American Society of Civil Engineers