Wind engineering for large wood-framed church and adjoining school building. Mediation. 30,000 sf.

Weidlinger Associates performed a structural engineering investigation to determine the effects of 2005 Hurricane Katrina on the Faith Tabernacle Church in Franklinton, Louisiana. The investigation consisted of observations and evaluation of existing conditions, assessment of hurricane wind speeds at the site, and structural engineering calculations. All testing was nondestructive. The results showed that the church and upper school buildings sustained significant hurricane damage. Estimated peak wind gusts of 97-107 mph at the site generated the intense pressures that caused the damage. All major building components sustained some form of damage. The damage reported will need to be repaired according to local code, ordinances, and building department regulations

Completion Date: 2007
Location: Franklinton, Louisiana
Owner or Client: Faith Tabernacle Church
Prime Consultant(s): WAI Prime; Tremaine Enterprises