Journal: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities

Authors: Apil KC, Keshab Sharma, Rajan KC, Kabin Lamichhane, Mandip Subedi

Abstract:

The 2019 windstorm in Nepal struck villages in the Bara and Parsa districts, central-south of Nepal, on March 31, 2019, causing widespread devastation. The storm, rated five (5) on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, cut a 33 km swath through central-southern Nepal. In total, 1,452 private houses were destroyed, while 1,373 others suffered partial damage. The tragic storm claimed 28 lives and left 1,155 individuals injured. The impact of this tragedy extended to nearly 3,000 families. Immediately after the storm, a comprehensive damage assessment framework was developed, and a field reconnaissance study was conducted to understand the damage distribution and building failure mechanisms under tornado wind loads. Common damage modes observed were roofing material damage, roof-to-wall connection failure, and brittle masonry wall failures in the affected areas. This paper presents the lessons learned from …