Round Houses to Protect From Tornadoes
Most recent answer: 10/22/2007
Q:
I saw the experiment of how smoke blows around the apple. Why don’t they build round houses where there are tornadoes? Wouldn’t the wind blow around the house and not blow it over?
- Gavin (age 8)
Belmont, CA
- Gavin (age 8)
Belmont, CA
A:
Hi Gavin,
That’s actually a good idea. I think round houses will be less susceptible to damage in a tornado (all other things being equal, like the size of the house and the strength of its frame, and how much glass there is around). Not everyone likes to live in a round house, but some people do.
You might be even better off in a flat house that’s level with the ground. Tornadoes have significant updrafts and pressure differences, and so the forces on the roof of even this kind of house will not be small.
Most partially damaged houses just have stuff pried off and sent flying (like just the roof). The more things that poke out that can catch the wind, the worse the damage will be. A nice, smooth round house sounds like it will do well.
Tom
That’s actually a good idea. I think round houses will be less susceptible to damage in a tornado (all other things being equal, like the size of the house and the strength of its frame, and how much glass there is around). Not everyone likes to live in a round house, but some people do.
You might be even better off in a flat house that’s level with the ground. Tornadoes have significant updrafts and pressure differences, and so the forces on the roof of even this kind of house will not be small.
Most partially damaged houses just have stuff pried off and sent flying (like just the roof). The more things that poke out that can catch the wind, the worse the damage will be. A nice, smooth round house sounds like it will do well.
Tom
(published on 10/22/2007)