Cyclone and Fire

CHIRAG SHARMA chrgh13@gmail.com

What are Cyclones?

"Cyclone" is an intense whirl in the atmosphere with very strong winds circulating around it in anti-clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and in clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere. Word "Cyclone" is derived from the Greek, word "Cyclos" meaning the coils of a snake. To Henri Peddington, the tropical storms in the Bay of Bengal and in the Arabian Sea appeared like the coiled serpents of the sea and he named these storms as "Cyclones". known as Hurricane in the Atlantic and Eastem Pacific, Typhoon in Western Pacific, Willy-Willies in Australian sea, Baguis in the Philippines.

Cyclones are intense low pressure areas from the centre of which pressure increases outwards- The amount of the pressure drop in the centre and the rate at which it increases outwards gives the intensity of the cyclones and the strength of winds.

Criteria followed to classify cyclones

As adopted by Meteorological Department of India

S.No. 1. 2. Low Depression Disturbance

1 knot - 1.85 km per hour

Wind Speed (Knots) Less than 17. 17-27(32-50 km/h)

3.
4. 5.

Deep Depression
Cyclonic storm Severe cyclonic storm with a core of Hurricane winds

28-33 (51-62 km/h)

34-47 (63-88 km/h) 48-63-(89-118 km/h)

Mechanism of cyclones

Mechanism of cyclones

A full-grown cyclone is a violent whirl in the atmosphere 150 to 1000 km across, 10 to 15 km high. The central calm region of the storm is called the "Eye". The diameter of the eye varies between 30 and 50 km and is a region free of clouds and has light winds. Around this calm and clear eye, there is the "Wall Cloud Region" of the storm about 5O km in extent, where the gale winds, thick clouds with torrential rain, thunder and lightning prevail. Away from the "Wall Cloud Region", the wind speed gradually decreases. The gales give rise to a confused sea with waves as high as 20 metres, swells that travel a thousand miles. Torrential rains, occasional thunder and lightning flashes - join these Through these churned chaotic sea and atmosphere, the cyclone moves 300 to 500 km, in a day to hit or skirt along a coast, bringing with it strome surges

Mechanism of cyclones

Once the cyclones reach higher latitudes they often change their direction and move north and then north-east (south and south east hemisphere). The process is known as recurreature. Before it recurves, the speed decreases and the system remains stationary for a day or so. When two cyclones exist near to each other, they inter-act and move anti-clockwise with respect to each other. In the Atlantic, tracks often execute a parabola. In India, when cyclones recur they get broken up over the Himalayas and their further eastward movement ceases.

Naming of cyclone

Cyclones derive their names through a systematic procedure laid down by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). naming of cyclones began in September 2004 Eight north Indian Ocean countries - Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand have prepared a list of 64 names. Since 2004, the eight countries have faced 20 cyclones. The countries take turns in naming the cyclones. The last six were: Nargis (Pakistan), Rashmi (Sri Lanka), Khai-Muk (Thailand), Nisha (Bangladesh), Bijli (India) and Aila (Maldives).

Cyclone Map of India

The principal dangers of a cyclone

Gales and strong winds

damage installations, dwellings, communication systems, trees., etc. resulting in loss of life and property.

Torrential rain
may cause river floods

Storm surges or high tidal waves

A storm surge is an abnormal rise of sea level near the coast caused by a severe tropical cyclone as a result, sea water inundates low lying areas of coastal regions drowning human beings and livestock, eroding beaches and embankments, destroying vegetation and reducing soil fertility.

What is Storm Surge?

How high will the Storm Surge be?

Every cyclone that affects the coast produces a storm surge. But not all storm surges rise to dangerous levels. The height of the surge depends on:

Past history indicates that loss of life is significant when surge magnitude is 3 metres or more and catastrophic when 5 metres and above

The intensity of the cyclone - as the winds increase, the sea water is piled higher and the waves on top of the surge are taller. The forward speed of the cyclone - the faster the cyclone crosses the coast, the more quickly the surge builds up and the more powerfully it strikes. The angle at which the cyclone crosses the coast - local zones of enhanced surge in areas such as narrow inlets and bays. The shape of the sea floor - the surge builds up more strongly if the slope of the sea bed at the coast is shallow.

Surge prone coasts of India

Vulnerability to storm surges is not uniform along Indian coasts. east coast of India are most vulnerable to high surges

i) North Orissa, and West Bengal coasts. ii) Andhra Pradesh coast between Ongole and Machilipatnam. iii) Tamil Nadu coast, south of Nagapatnam. i) Maharashtra coast, north of Harnai and adjoining south Gujarat coast and the coastal belt around the Gulf of Bombay. ii) The coastal belt around the Gulf of Kutch.

The West coast of India is less vulnerable to storm surges

Cyclone Accounts

The oldest and the worst cyclone on record is that of October 1737: hit Calcutta and took a toll of 3,00,000 lives in the deltaic region. It was accompanied by a 12 metre high surge. Midnapore Cyclone of October 1942 was accompanied by gale wind speed of 225 kmph Rameswaram Cyclone of 17th to 24th December 1964 wiped out Dhanuskodi in Rameswaran Island from the map. A passenger train which left Rameswaram Road station near about the midnight of 22nd was washed off by the storm surges sometimes later, nearly all passengers traveling in the train meeting water graves.

Cyclone Accounts

Bangla Desh Cyclone of 8-13 November 1970 which crossed Bangla Desh coast in the night of 12th was one of the worst in recent times, with storm surges of 4 to 5 metres height at the time of high tides, and with 25 cm of rain in the areas, the inundation took toll of about 3,00,000 people. Andhra Cyclone of 14-20 November 1977 that crossed coast near Nizampatnam in the evening of 19th, took a toll of about 10,000 lives.

How to avoid the catastrophe?

Effective Cyclone Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan requires:

A Cyclone Forecast - and Warning Service. Rapid dissemination of warnings to the Government Agencies, Marine interests like the Ports, Fisheries and Shipping and to General Public. Organisations to construct Cyclone Shelters in the cyclone-prone areas and ready machinery for evacuation of people to safer areas. Community preparedness at all levels to meet the exigencies.

Cyclone warning

"Two Stage Warning Scheme

The first stage warning known as the "Cyclone Alert" is issued 48 hours in advance of the expected commencement of the adverse weather over the coastal areas. The second stage warning known as the "Cyclone Warning" is issued 24 hours in advance. Both cyclone "Alert" and "Warning" messages are passed to the AIR stations for repeated broadcast.

Vulnerable Communities

vulnerability of a human settlement to a cyclone is determined by its siting, the probability that a cyclone will occur, and the degree to which its structures can be damaged by it. most vulnerable to cyclones are

Light weight structures with wood frames, especially older buildings where wood has deteriorated and weakened the walls Houses made of unreinforced or poorly-constructed concrete block Buildings in low- lying coastal areas or river floodplains Furthermore, the degree of exposure of land and buildings will affect the velocity of the cyclone wind at ground level, Certain settlement patterns may create a "funnel effect" that increases the wind speed between buildings, leading to even greater damage.

How High Winds Damage Buildings

Contrary to popular belief, few houses are blown over. Instead, they are pulled apart by winds moving swiftly around and over the building. This lowers the pressure on the outside and creates suction on the walls and roof, effectively causing the equivalent of an explosion. Whether or not a building will be able to resist the effects of wind is dependent not so much upon the materials that are used but the manner in which they are used. common belief: that heavier buildings, such as those made of concrete block, are safer. Truth: well-built and properly-engineered masonry house offers a better margin of safety than other types of buildings

Catastrophic Failures

Foundations

The uplift forces from cyclone winds can sometimes pull buildings completely out of the ground. In contrast to designing for gravity loads, the lighter the building the larger (or heavier) the foundation needs to be in cyclone resistant design.

Catastrophic Failures

Steel Frames

A common misconception: the loss of cladding relieves the loads from building frameworks. Truth: the wind loads on the structural frame increases substantially with the loss of cladding Usual weakness in steel frames is in the connections. Thus economising on minor items (bolts) has led to the overall failure of the major items (columns, beams and rafters)

Catastrophic Failures

Masonry Houses

usually regarded as being safe in cyclones. There are countless examples where the loss of roofs has triggered the total destruction of un-reinforced masonry walls.

Catastrophic Failures

Timber Houses

The key to safe construction of timber houses is the connection details. The inherent vulnerability of light-weight timber houses coupled with poor connections is a dangerous combination which has often led to disaster.

Catastrophic Failures

Reinforced Concrete Frames

The design of reinforced concrete frames is usually controlled by the seismic hazard. If seismic design is not done, wind analysis must be performed ignoring this, can lead to disaster.

Component Failures

Roof Sheeting

This is perhaps the commonest area of failure in cyclones. The causes are usually inadequate fastening devices, inadequate sheet thickness and insufficient frequencies of fasteners in the known areas of greater wind suction.

Catastrophic Failures

Roof Tiles

These were thought to have low vulnerability in storms but past cyclones have exposed the problem of unsatisfactory installation practices.

Catastrophic Failures

Rafters

Of particular interest in recent cyclones was the longitudinal splitting of rafters with the top halves disappearing and leaving the bottom halves in place. The splitting would propagate from holes drilled horizontally through the rafters to receive holding-down straps.

Catastrophic Failures

Windows and Doors

After roof sheeting, these are the components most frequently damaged in cyclones. Of course, glass would always be vulnerable to flying objects. The other area of vulnerability for windows and doors is the hardware latches, bolts and hinges.
Cantilevered parapets are most at risk. But so far walls braced by ring beams and columns have remained safe.

Walls

Damaging Effects of Cyclone on Houses

Due to the high wind pressure and improper connection of the house to the footings it can be blown away.

Damaging Effects of Cyclone on Houses

Roofing materials not anchored can be blown away

Damaging Effects of Cyclone on Houses

Light weight verandah roofs are more susceptible to damage due to high wind speed.

Damaging Effects of Cyclone on Houses

When cyclones are accompanied with heavy rain for a long duration, the buildings can be damaged due to flooding also.

Design Wind Speed and Pressures

The basic wind speed is reduced or enchanced for design of buildings and structures due to following factors:

The risk level of the structure measured in terms of adopted return period and life of structures. Terrain roughness determined by the surrounding buildings or trees and, height and size of the structure. Local topography like hills, valleys, cliffs, or ridges, etc.

On which elements the wind pressure effect must be considered?

It is considered on various elements depends on

Aerodynamics of flow around buildings. The windward vertical faces being subjected to pressure. The leeward and lateral faces getting suction effects and The sloping roofs getting pressures or suction effects depending on the slope.

typical effects of openings in the walls

Wind generating opening on the windward side during a cyclone will increase the pressure on the internal surfaces may be sufficient to cause the roof to blow off and the walls to explode.

typical effects of openings in the walls

Windward face of the building collapses under pressure of wind force

typical effects of openings in the walls

During a cyclone an opening may suddenly occur on the windward side of the house. The internal pressure which builds up as a result may be relieved by providing a corresponding opening on the leeward side.

If the building is not securely tied to its foundations, and the walls cannot resist push/pull forces, the house tends to collapse starting from the roof with the building leaning in the direction of the wind.

Failure of the Wall: Wind forces on the walls of the house may produce failure. Wind striking a building produces pressure which pushes against the building, on the windward side, and suction which pulls the building on the leeward side and the roof.

Overturning is another problem for light structures.

This occurs when the weight of the house is insufficient to resist the tendency the house to be blown over.

When choosing a site for your house, consider the following

Though cyclonic storms always approach from the direction of the sea towards the coast, the wind velocity and direction relative to a building remain random due to the rotating motion of the high velocity winds. In non-cyclonic region where the predominant strong wind direction is well established, the area behind a mound or a hillock should be preferred Similarly a row of trees planted upwind will act as a shield. The influence of such a shield will be over a limited distance, only for 8 10 times the height of the trees. A tree broken close to the house may damage the house also hence distance of tree from the house may be kept 1.5 times the height of the tree.

When choosing a site for your house, consider the following

No shielding from high wind due to Shielding from high wind by absence of barriers permeable barriers such as strong trees

When choosing a site for your house, consider the following

In hilly regions,

construction along ridges should be avoided since they experience an increase of wind velocity whereas valley experiences lower speeds in general

When choosing a site for your house, consider the following

In cyclonic regions close to the coast, a site above the likely inundation level should be chosen. In case of non availability of high level natural ground, construction should be done on stilts with no masonry or cross bracings up to maximum surge level, or on raised earthen mounds to avoid flooding/inundation but knee bracing may be used.

Shape of the House

Shape is the most important single factor in determining the performance of buildings in cyclones. Simple, compact, symmetrical shapes are best. The square plan is better than the rectangle since it allows high winds to go around them. The rectangle is better than the L-shaped plan. This is not to say that all buildings must be square. But it is to say that one must be aware of the implications of design decisions and take appropriate action to counter negative features. The best shape to resist high winds is a square.

Shape of the House

If other shapes are desired, efforts should be made to strengthen the corners. If longer shapes are used, they must be designed to withstand the forces of the wind. Most houses are rectangular and the best layout is when the length is not more than three (3) times the width.

In case of construction of group of buildings, a cluster arrangement can be followed in preference to row type.

Roofs
Lightweight flat roofs are easily blown off in high winds. In order to lessen the effect of the uplifting forces on the roof, the roof Pitch should not be less than 22. Hip roofs are best

Roofs

General Design Considerations

Avoid a low pitched roof, use a hip roof or a high pitched gable roof. Avoid overhanging roofs. If overhangs or canopies are desired, they should be braced by ties held to the main structures. Avoid openings which cannot be securely closed during a cyclone

Overhangs, verandahs
Avoid large overhangs as high wind force build up under them. Overhangs should not be more than 18 inches at verges or eaves. Build verandah and patio roofs as separate structures rather than extensions of the main building.

Securing the Ridge

If the rafters are not secure, the ridge can fall apart when strong wind passes over the roof.

Securing the Ridge

The ridge can be secured by using:

COLLAR TIES - Timbers connecting the rafters. Nail them to the side of the rafters

Securing the Ridge

GUSSETS - Usually made of steel/plywood. This is used at the ridge.

Securing the Ridge

METAL STRAPS over the top of the rafters

Securing the corrugated galvanized sheets

The sheets are gauged by numbers. The Higher the number the thinner the material. Example 24 gauge galvanized sheet is superior to 28 gauge. Failure in roofs

If the sheeting is too thin or there are too few fittings, the nails or screws may tear through the sheet. If galvanized sheets are used, 24 gauge is recommended.

Securing the corrugated galvanized sheets

How to secure sheeting to the roof structure, use

Fixings every two (2) corrugation at ridges, eaves and overhangs. Fixings every three (3) corrugation. Maximum spacing at all other locations

Fixings for sheetings

Screws

Use proper drive crews for corrugated galvanized roof sheets. Be sure that the screws go into the purlins at least fifty (50) mm. use large washers under the screw heads to prevent the roof sheets from tearing

Nails

Nails do not hold as well as screws. Use nails with wide heads and long enough to bend over below the lath. Galvanized coated nails are better than ordinary wire nails.

Roof cladding

As the corners and the roof edges are zones of higher local wind suctions and the connections of cladding/sheeting to the truss need to be designed for the increased forces. following precautions are recommended:

Sheeted roofs:- A reduced spacing of bolts, of that admissible as per IS:800, recommended. For normal connections, J bolts may be used but for cyclone resistant connections U bolts are recommended.

Alternatively, strap may be used at least along edges to fix cladding with the purlins to avoid punching through the sheet.

Clay tile roofs:- Because of lower dead weight, these may be unable to resist the uplifting force and thus experience heavy damage, particularly during cyclones.

Anchoring of roof tiles in R.C. strap beams is recommended for improved cyclone resistance. As alternative to the bands, a cement mortar screed, reinforced with galvanized chicken mesh, may be laid over the high suction areas of the tiled roof.

Foundations
The foundation is the part of the house which transfers the weight of the building to the ground. It is essential to construct a suitable foundation for a house as the stability of a building depends primarily on its foundation. It is desirable that information about soil type be obtained and estimates of safe bearing capacity

Parameters need to be properly accounted in the design of foundation

Effect of surge or flooding:

Buildings on stilts:

Invariably a cyclonic storm is accompanied by torrential rain and tidal surge (in coastal areas) resulting into flooding of the low lying areas. Flooding causes saturation of soil and thus significantly affects the safe bearing capacity of the soil. In flood prone areas, the safe bearing capacity should be taken as half of that for the dry ground. Also the likelihood of any scour due to receding tidal surge needs to be taken into account while deciding on the depth of foundation Where a building is constructed on stilts it is necessary that stilts are properly braced in both the principal directions. Knee bracings will be preferable to full diagonal bracing so as not to obstruct the passage of floating debris during storm surge.

main types of foundation

Slab or Raft Foundation

Used on soft soils. Spread the weight over a wider area

main types of foundation

Strip Foundation

Used for areas where the soil varies. Most common. Supports a wall.

main types of foundation

Stepped Foundation

Used on sloping ground. Is a form of strip foundation.

main types of foundation

Pile Foundation

deep foundations for small or large buildings. Under reamed piles often used in expansive clay or alluvial soils.

Masonry walls

Masonry walls

Strengthening of walls against high wind/cyclones.

Reinforce the walls by means of reinforced concrete bands and vertical reinforcing bars as for earthquake resistance.

Wall Openings

general areas of weakness and stress concentration, but needed essentially for light and ventilation. The following are recommended in respect of openings.

Openings in load bearing walls should not be within a distance of h/6 from inner corner for the purpose of providing lateral support to cross walls, where h is the storey height upto eave level. Openings just below roof level be avoided Since the failure of any door or window on the windward side may lead to adverse uplift pressures under roof, the openings should have strong holdfasts as well as closing/locking arrangement.

Wall Openings

Glass Panes

Glass windows and doors are, of course, very vulnerable to flying objects Use thicker glass panes. reduce the panel size to smaller dimensions. Also glass panes can be strengthened by pasting thin film or paper strips

CYCLONES - Do's & Dont's

Before the Cyclone season:

Check the house; secure loose tiles, carry out repair works for doors and windows Remove dead woods or dying trees close to the house; anchor removable objects like lumber piles, loose tin sheds, loose bricks, garbage cans, sign-boards etc. which can fly in strong winds Keep some wooden boards ready so that glass windows can be boarded if needed Demolish condemned buildings Keep some dry non-perishable food always ready for emergency use

CYCLONES - Do's & Dont's

When the Cyclone starts

Listen to the radio about weather warnings Pass on the information to others. Believe in the official information Remember that a cyclone alert means that the danger is within 24 hours. Stay alert. If your house is securely built on high ground take shelter in the safer part of the house. However, if asked to evacuate do not hesitate to leave the place. Provide strong suitable support for outside doors. Keep torches handy Be sure that a window and door can be opened only on the side opposite to the one facing the wind. If the centre of the cyclone is passing directly over your house there will be a lull in the wind and rain lasting for half and hour or so. During this time do not go out; because immediately after that very strong winds will blow from the opposite direction. Switch off electrical mains in your house. Remain calm

CYCLONES - Do's & Dont's

When Evacuation is instructed

Pack essentials for yourself and your family to last you a few days, including medicines, special foods for babies and children or elders. Head for the proper shelter or evacuation points indicated for your area. Do not worry about your property At the shelter follow instructions of the person in charge. Remain in the shelter until you have been informed to leave

CYCLONES - Do's & Dont's

Post-cyclone measures

You should remain in the shelter until informed that you can return to your home. Strictly avoid any loose and dangling wires from the lamp posts. Clear debris from your premises immediately. Report the correct loss to appropriate authorities

Fire

Elements of fire protection

Include

use of non-combustible building materials, use of fire-resistive building assemblies, installation of automatic detection devices and sprinklers, development of improved fire fighting techniques

Fire-resistive construction

A building construction in which the structural members (including walls, partitions, columns, floors, and roof) are of noncombustible materials having fireendurance ratings at least equal to those specified by the appropriate authorities

fire-resistive ratings

"fire resistance rating" is a legal term utilized by model codes to regulate building construction. The fire-resistive ratings of various materials and constructions are established by laboratory tests Specified in terms of hours a material or assembly can be expected to withstand exposure to fire. For exterior walls, floors, and roof of masonry or fire-resistive material with a fire-resistance rating of at least 2 hours.

Fire-Resistive Assemblies
An assembly is a combination of materials put together in a specific way that achieves the fire resistance rating required in the building code. For example, gypsum wallboard applied to a steel stud. Fire-resistance ratings apply only to assemblies in their entirety.

Fireproofing of Construction Materials

In construction, heavy wood timbers have a relatively high fire resistance, because fire tends to burn very slowly inward from the surface, leaving enough sound timber in the center to prevent collapse. Wood framing can also be impregnated with ammonium phosphate solution or covered with special mastics. To be classed as fire resistive, buildings must be made of reinforced concrete or protected steel that will stand considerable fire with minor damage; While steel retains its strength up to a very high temperature, it fails rapidly at temperatures over 1,000F (540C).

Fireproofing of Construction Materials

Structural steel may be protected in a number of ways. It can be faced with brick, concrete, or tile; however, construction with these materials usually adds too much weight to a building. A protective layer of concrete over all surfaces of a beam or over the steel bars in reinforced concrete has to be at least 2.5 in. (6.4 cm) thick to be effective; hollow clay tile used to cover beams and girders has to be at least 4 in. (10 cm) thick. most buildings use lightweight fireproofing such as gypsum, perlite, and vermiculite mixed in plaster; one inch (2.5 cm) of such materials will absorb an equivalent amount of heat as 2.5 in. (6.4 cm) of concrete. Some recent buildings circulate water inside each column, protecting the structure against meltdown. In urban areas, buildings must also provide protection against fire in neighboring buildings through fireproof exterior walls-preferably windowless, since windows are fire openings.

How to Build a Fire Resistant House

Frame your home with metal studs. Metal studs cannot combust in the same way that wood studs can. Install GFI (ground fault circuit interrupters) outlets and circuit breakers.. It can, in just 1/30 of a second, trip the internal circuit, effectively cutting off the flow of electricity in the event of a possible short. Use as much concrete as possible in the structure of your home. Use hard materials for flooring, doors and roofing. Carpet is highly combustible. Install safety features. Fire alarms

Thank You