Texas Fire Chief - Spring/Summer 2009 - (Page 15)

innovative construction methods. I would like to thank Chief Vance Riley for his insight during this process. BRW looked at the three basic types of structure (wood, steel, and concrete) to determine what would be the most cost effective, and took specific characteristics of each to celebrate their strengths. Concrete structure has been used for years to resist hurricane winds, but the cost and amount needed can be overwhelming, while the appearance can look cold and unwelcoming. In Victoria, the use of concrete was limited to the apparatus bays, where reinforced concrete block was skinned in stone to give protection against projectiles hitting the walls, as well as giving it a more attractive appearance. Steel is more cost effective than concrete, but in our evaluation of facilities that have been through a hurricane, we found that the skins of metal buildings using panels – either ribbed or formed – were either not attached correctly or the gauge of the metal was not thick enough. In the aftermath of Katrina and Rita, hundreds of metal buildings TEXAS FIRE CHIEF Spring/Summer 2009 had their skin peeled off from the force of the winds, leaving their remaining steel structure exposed. Rather than using the steel as a cladding material, BRW limited its use in Victoria to framing doors, large openings, and other architectural features such as the training tower. The apparatus bays are also equipped with steel roll-down doors that are installed in front of the everyday glass folding doors. These doors are only used in the event of a hurricane, limiting the negative aesthetic effects they might cause (see figures above). Although it seemed the least likely of the three materials, we found that wood construction can be the best in cost savings as well as one of the strongest in resisting wind loads. Also, the development of new technology, development of straps and fasteners, and the availability of the product proved it to be worthy. The living quarters in the Victoria #4 station consists of 2 x 6 wood framing with metal straps at each stud, which wrap over the top and bottom plates of all exterior walls as well as three interior walls in order to anchor the roof while experiencing uplift wind loads during a hurricane (see figures above). The fasteners are placed at very specific locations, which were carefully inspected during construction to ensure the construction documents were observed and the building built accordingly. The windows in the living quarters are each equipped with a hurricane panel, which is both cost effective and architecturally successful, as it is removable and only used in the event of a hurricane (see figures above). As architects, it is not only our responsibility to design captivating buildings to enhance the character of a neighborhood, but also to design safe structures that will withstand the effects of natural disasters such as hurricanes. BRW is among the best in fi re-station design because of its commitment to public safety, which drives our designs and enables us to pursue new means and methods of building construction to ensure the permanence of each of our projects. 15

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Texas Fire Chief - Spring/Summer 2009

Texas Fire Chief - Spring/Summer 2009 Contents Executive Director's Report 2009 Annual Conference Preview Hurricane Resistant Fire Stations in South Texas Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System The IAFC and TV Worldwide Launch IAFC TV KITA and Firefighter Motivation TFCA Legislator Award What Do They See When They See You Coming? Texas Fire Chiefs Academy Standing Tall Lake Travis Fire Rescue Answers the Call 2009 TFCA Executive Board TFCA Region Map Index to Advertisers

Texas Fire Chief - Spring/Summer 2009

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