Description

The wall support systems that extend from the foundation wall to the roof structure. Superstructures include the exterior wall sheathing panels, shear panels, or braced wall panels. This section also includes structural members that support the roof, but does not include roof sheathing.

Wood frame construction:

• Lightweight lumber or metal studs Interior wall framing (without sheathing)
• Typical exterior structural panel wall sheathing is plywood or hardboard

Masonry construction:

• Typically concrete or CMUs, with steel reinforcement.
• Typical exterior covers are stucco, siding (aluminum, vinyl, or wood), and masonry veneer

Basic Flood Modeling Assumptions:

1. Medium height freshwater flooding - limited duration. Some high-velocity action; possible wave action. This guidance represents a starting point for inspectors to perform assessments on non-residential buildings. Because of the wide range of structure types, this guidance should be used as a rough estimation for a typical 1-story convenience store. Any variation from that should take into consideration the potential differences in each element.
2. The damage evaluation guidance in this should be taken as possible or likely indicators of the respective level of damage, but is not a definite representation of damage to a structure after a flood and wind event. Not all threshold markers may need to be met to achieve the level of damage indicated.

Special Considerations for Coastal/High Velocity Floods

• Coastal areas have higher wind conditions requiring additional exterior wall structural panels, shear walls, and braced wall panels.
• Damage to these wall structural systems would indicate a higher percent of damage, because they are already designed to resist higher wind conditions.