Engineering Safer Buildings

Newswise — UAB engineers are developing new building materials to protect people and property from surges of water associated with tsunamis, hurricanes and other natural disasters. "While warning systems are key to saving lives, so are structures that can survive windstorms and the devastating impacts of water. Improved building materials have the potential during the next 10 years to reduce life and property losses, which will only increase if steps are not taken to help coastal communities reduce their vulnerability," said UAB damage mitigation expert Nasim Uddin, Ph.D. For example, externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are stronger than concrete and can withstand rushing tsunami waves, hurricane-force winds, bullets and even explosions.