Global climate change may influence weather variability and alter the location, intensity and frequency of extreme wind episodes, such as hurricanes in coastal areas. An increase in hurricane intensity will cause more damage and higher economic losses than presently. The study will develop a predictive model for wind resistance and potential damage to constructed facilities using structural mechanics and computer sciences. Damage information data archived at Texas Tech University and a knowledge-based damage assessment system developed at the University of Washington will be used in the project and the damage predictive model developed will assist in identifying vulnerable facilities and structures to possible extreme wind events in locations, and with an intensity and duration now not experienced.
