Extreme weather events such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and straight-line winds are becoming increasingly common. They have the potential to displace populations and incur billions of dollars-worth of damage. Considering various strategies and best practices, as well as examining a case study involving plywood and OSB sheathing, can help specifiers design resilient homes and mitigate the effects of various extreme weather events.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss how extreme weather events such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and straight-line winds can affect building materials.
  • Explore APA-recommended design details for plywood and OSB sheathing that will help buildings withstand high wind events.
  • Describe engineered wood products that should be used in earthquake- and wind-prone areas.
  • Recognize how a straight-line wind event and tornadoes in Texas offered lessons for building design.

Pre-Requisite: None