Published works

This report presents a preliminary study on the retrofitting/upgrading of roofing connections in an older Australian house type to improve its performance under wind loading. The house type selected is a rectangular plan high-set house with a low pitched gable roof. These houses are common in North Queensland and have been the subject of previous vulnerability studies by the Cyclone Testing Station. In previous studies this house type is also known as the ‘Group-4 House’.

Vulnerability to wind loads of a population of these houses will be estimated using the Vulnerability and Wind Simulation (VAWS) software that is currently under development by the Cyclone Testing Station and Geoscience Australia. The changes to vulnerability functions for four connection upgrading scenarios are investigated. These preliminary analyses are used to inform initial cost benefit estimates for retrofitting older Australian houses.