EF5 tornado vs Monolithic Dome?
There are many advantages to the Monolithic Dome and these do include the resistance to very high winds. The two main problems when talking about survivability within the higher categories of tornadoes is the resistance to wind blown missiles and the connection between the dome and the foundation. These two would actually be the most likely causes of a failure to a strong (EF4 or EF5) tornado. When you are taking about these strongest type tornadoes, you have to be very concerned about the amount and size of the wind blown debris. The dome would be, at a minimum, likely damaged by the large amount and size (cars or portions of buildings) that become air borne in these tornadoes. In the case of the foundation connections, I have seen well build homes where the foundation had extremely strong but were ripped from the ground by the power of EF5 tornadoes. While this is unusual and rare, it can not be ignored. So, while monolithic domes are indeed resistant to the main destructive forces of a tornado, I would be very hesitant to claim they would survive a tornado intact. I would expect moderate to heavy damage from wind blown debris as a minimum and possible failure of the dome if the foundation and fastening system of the dome to the foundation was in any way compromised due to poor construction or design.
What is a good tornado proof house?
brick or concrete and steel would be better than straw or wood, but no house is going to stand up to a direct hit from a tornado
Hurricane Resistant homes - 30 Degree roof vs 45 Degree roof?
I am doing a project on hurricane resistant homes and I was wondering what benefits a lower angled rood would have on withstanding the air pressure and winds from a hurricane. My thoughts are that there would be less air pressure in the attics from the wind that escapes in trough the space between the walls and roof, which could result in the roof blowing away if the hurricane is strong enough. Any other benefits or ideas? Do I even have a point?