The Cyclone Testing Station at James Cook University in Townsville (https://www.jcu.edu.au/cyclone-testing-station) have released a report on the recorded wind speeds and damage to property during the Cyclone Debbie event at the end of March 2017. In our business we design buildings to withstand high wind speeds (often in excess of 180 kph – in accordance with current Australian Standards), however it is fairly rare that our buildings get tested to these conditions. The reports that come out of CTS on these events provide fascinating insight into how typical Australian structures perform in major wind velocities. The research provides valuable research into weaknesses in the current housing stock and assist with guidance in developing future codes and industry guidelines.
You can download the report by clicking the link below: