Broad Effort Launched to Use Storm Lessons

This article describes the efforts of the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) to study the extent and causes of urban hurricane damage. While a number of recommendations they have provided for the abatement of wind damages are more conventional, such as reinforcing masonry and avoiding singled and membranous roofing materials, the importance of tree shielding is also urged. Some bridge engineers have already used more storm worthy design, although coastal bridges and port-side wharfs are in need or more attention, according to the NIST. The article also suggests that it is difficult to design adequate moorings for floating facilities. Although the American Petroleum Institute (API) has begun measures to codify standards for offshore platforms and similar structures, much work is left to be done in this regard.