Mitigation Model House Demonstrates Better Building Techniques
Release Date: June 27, 2007
Release Number: FNF-07-029b
A FEMA Mitigation Model House that illustrates advanced building techniques is on display in New Orleans through July 4.
“To build a model structure which highlights proper building code techniques is very important,” said Wayne Berggren, National Flood Insurance Program supervisor with FEMA’s New Orleans Transitional Recovery Office. “A homeowner or builder can better visualize from a structure rather than a picture in a book.”
The model house displays methods of securing roofs, constructing house footings and strengthening walls. There are hurricane ties for bracing joints and full-sized timbers angled to meet the wind load capacity of 130 to 150 miles per hour.
The house plays an important role in educating the public about stronger, more storm-resistant structures needed in coastal areas. By exceeding state and local building codes, the structure demonstrates a “code plus” approach for home and business owners to decrease chances of major structural damage from wind or water.
Students from Southeastern Louisiana University’s Department of Industrial Technology and their supervising faculty built the portable structure in Hammond, La., with Simpson Strong-Tie donating the metal fasteners to the school for the model.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Jun-2007 17:48:18