Creative Architects

An interesting article about the construction of the homes that were damaged in the tornado here in Garland, Texas almost 2 years ago. The codes have improved in the 20 to 30 years since those homes were built but still proper nailing and bolting would have helped. There is one picture where the brick ties were installed on the wall but were not extended into the brick mortar. Such a simple thing to do.

Even with all of that no lives were lost in the structures. Of the over 500 damaged or destroyed structures in Garland all but 2 have been or are being rebuilt/repaired. A big chunk of credit goes to Jim Olk, Chief Building Official and the Building Inspections Department who worked with the owners to expedite the rebuilding process.

Another shout out needs to go to the builders of the Dallas Builders Association who did much of the work on the homes and received praise from the Garland Building Inspections Department
http://www.jlconline.com/how-to/framing/a-texas-tornado-lessons-learned_o

A Texas Tornado: Lessons Learned Stronger Connections Could Have Saved Homes