About the author  ⁄ Bradford Russell, AIA, P.E., SECB, F.SEI, F.ASCE

As an Architect and Professional Engineer (structural), Bradford Russell promotes his understanding and leadership in both disciplines relating to the built environment. With multiple A/E/C patents from the USPTO, he brings a unique perspective of innovative approaches.

Community Storm Shelter Design

Part 2: A Marriage of Codes and Artistry

Each year severe weather, in the form of storms ripping through our states and along our coasts, leaves a swath of destruction of buildings and infrastructure and many lost lives. The heaviest of these storm events (high wind) is the tornado. However, if you have experienced the power of a tornado, you are likely to agree that the event is much more than wind intensification. The National Centers for Environmental Information, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), charts a trendline increase in the frequency of tornadoes since 1950, with the occasional spikes like the U.S. saw in 2004 – 1,819 tornadoes.

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Oct, 2021 By In Structural Performance Comments 0

Community Storm Shelter Design

Part 1: A Marriage of Codes and Artistry

Tornado season in the United States is officially March through June, but tornadoes, including major outbreaks, have been documented in the United States during every month of the year. The U.S. sees more tornado and other high wind activity than any other place on earth. In fact, as many as 1,200 to 1,500 tornados could occur in any given year. Interestingly, the number of tornado events is generally increasing from one year to the next. In 2004, the highest number in recent history in the U.S were recorded, with over 1,800 tornadoes. As recently as 2008 and 2011, 1,700 tornadoes occurred. With the population increasing year after year, this presents community issues needing to be addressed through storm shelter design, documentation, and construction.

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Aug, 2021 By In Structural Performance Comments 0
STRUCTURE magazine