
How extreme Climate Change Is Affecting Construction Industry – Part 2
In the previous article we looked at the ways in which the existing infrastructure and buildings must evolve in order to deal with wildfires and excessive heat. In this consequent article we will be further looking into how to construct infrastructure and buildings to withstand the increasing number of hurricanes and cyclones. We also state how to prepare construction sites for extreme weather conditions.
Hurricane and cyclone resistance:
Hurricanes and cyclones are becoming even more severe and destructive these days. During hurricanes, cyclones etc. there are high winds, driving rains and surging water levels which can cause severe damage to the building. Firstly, in hurricane prone areas buildings needs to constructed and designed in a manner that they are higher than the surging water level. Moreover, windows are the weak areas as the openings are the most vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. In case of the extreme weather the window is generally the first to break and the increased air pressure consequently blows off the roof and leads to the building collapse. In these cases the risk can be mitigated by creating impact windows where in the plastic film is sandwiched between pieces of two shatter-resistant glass. This improves insulation as well as also reduces the outside sound transmissions and blocks UV radiation. In certain areas where hurricanes and cyclones are common water resistant materials like closed-cell and foam insulation, marine-grade plywood, concrete etc. is used for longer durability. Here designs can include hurricane shutters wherein they are resistant to both the wind and what the wind throws at them.
In extreme cases infrastructure might collapse but what could be a saving grace and could lead to fast reconstruction is proper documentation. Utilizing Drafting Services, more significantly Paper to CAD conversions it is possible to properly digitize the existing documentation into proper digital formats that can be not be damaged as well as easily retrieved. Proper planning and documentation can lead to a speedy recovery. Take Hurricane Katrina which flooded 80% of New Orleans and damaged 500,000 houses in weeks. The accurately documented and easily updated public records ensured that the government could quickly identify weak areas and map a recovery chart. Damaged infrastructure was assessed and readily available as-built documentation was crucial in carrying out quick repairs especially of small damages. Areas with significant damage required more in-depth planning but at least small repairs could be quickly made and the city could be well on its path to recovery.
How can construction sites be prepared for extreme weather conditions?
Excessive rainfall, winds, heat etc. make it difficult for any construction site to properly function. If they are not properly prepared to deal with weather change then it could cause damage of property, money and maybe even life. With sky-high temperatures and high levels of humidity working outdoors becomes difficult and maybe even life-threating. Workers can be protected in a variety of ways. Firstly it can be done by proper planning wherein the workers don’t jump into heavy work but rather build upto it. The planning should also be done in a manner that the hardest and most physically challenging work is done during cooler hours. If BIM more specifically Revit BIM Services is used during the preconstruction stage then its 4D BIM scheduling capabilities can be extremely beneficial. It would detect any workflow errors, optimize the schedule and allows the project managers to be on top. Moreover, its various conventional deliverables would also ensure that there are no onsite errors, no clashes, communication gaps etc. which could cause the workers to work longer in arduous situations.
They should also be provided with breathable clothing that is made from natural materials such as cotton and should also be provided with UV protection glasses, sun screen, brimmed hard hats etc. Reflective safety vests and durable, lightweight protective equipment also considerably reduce the heat impact also. Additionally, to prevent any extreme heat related conditions the workers and supervisions can be trained and educed about the symptoms they may face during a heat stroke or any other severe heat-related illness. Finally, modern technologies also go a long way to reducing human presence. For instance, drones can be used for monitoring, robotics for repetitive tasks etc.
When it comes to hurricanes, high-speed winds, cyclones the construction site needs to be prepared well in advance. The company undertaking construction in hurricane-prone areas should always have a detailed preparation plan in case a hurricane strikes. In case of large projects the contractors tend to also keep in communication with local building officials so that a streamlined plan is made in coordination with officials. The real work begins once the storm is close by. Materials, trash, tools or other debris that is bound to fly away will need to be secured. Even the construction equipment need to be secured. Also the structure itself needs to be safeguarded. In those cases where the building has progressed to a point where water can significantly damage the interiors the crews should board up any openings and accessible windows. Once the hurricane or the cyclone has passed then the water removal is also important. Many contractors even tend to put pumps in excavations or basements so that the water can be removed quickly and there is no lasting damage. Thus, the changing climate conditions have led to a considerable change in the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure. It has also led to change in onsite activities and methods wherein the project managers have to take various added measures to ensure the safety of the workers. In the final part of the article we will be looking into how modern technology has enabled the creation of green and sustainable building.