Wind loading on structure (1)

[36] AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF TRADITIONAL CYCLONE SHELTER IN TANNA ISLAND, THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU, WITH FOCUS ON ITS SHAPE

○Natsuki Kishida¹, Kazuyoshi Nishijima², Hiroaki Nishimura² (1.Kyoto University Graduate School of Engineering Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, 2.Disaster Prevention Research Institute)

Keywords:Cyclone Pam, non-engineered, wind tunnel experiment, cyclone shelter

The destructive category-5 Tropical Cyclone Pam hit the Republic of Vanuatu in March 12 to 14, 2015. Tanna Island was one of the most affected islands. During this event, people evacuated to non-engineered houses called “Nimulaten”, which are at present days used for cyclone shelters. Whereas majority of the settlements were destroyed, many of Nimulatens were reported to survive. This study thus aims at investigating the aerodynamic performance of Nimulaten with a focus on its unique shape. For this aim, wind tunnel experiments as well as simple structural analysis are performed. Based on the analysis with assumed conditions it is estimated that Nimulatens may survive up to 20 m/s in sustained wind speed at the height of the roof.