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3 MULTIPLE-FAMILY DOMESTIC DWELLINGS Two apartment complexes were hit by the Bennettsville tornado. Neither was more than two stories high, and their form of construction was es- sentially the same as that of a framed single-family dwelling. Damage ranged from almost complete collapse of a structure to localized roof damage. Figure ll shows the more heavily damaged complex. Figures l2 and l3 show typical damage in an adjacent complex. Examination of the failed structures revealed examples of both good and bad construction that may have accounted for the differences in their ability to resist wind forces. The location of the tornado and changes in wind speed due to shelter must of course also be considered. The more heavily damaged complex had brick veneer siding, which in some instances appeared to have been poorly tied to the framing (Figure l4). Corner bracing of plywood sheeting was provided in some buildings but was not continuous from floor to floor (Figure l5). In other build- ings, diagonal ties were provided, with only styrofoam between the brick and the framing (Figure l6). Under the action of extreme winds, the brick veneer on the sides appeared to have been stripped from these buildings. Once that occurred, apart from the weight of the building, only the nails used to locate the framing, acting in withdrawal, were available to resist the overturning moment of the wind. In many in- stances this proved inadequate. In the adjacent apartment complex, where damage was not as severe but where wind speeds may have been lower due to the path of the tor- nado, an example of better bracing was discovered. Here the metal ties and plywood overlapped at the corners (Figure l7). Exterior wood siding also appeared to have provided some continuity (Figure l8). The single- story rental office of the complex revealed, however, that, although the bottom plate of the frame had been bolted to the foundation, the rest of the framing had been inadequately attached to that plate (Figure l9). This building was carried away by the wind. 10
ll FIGURE ll Hillcrest apartments in Bennettsville. (Photograph courtesy The State.) FIGURE l2 Marlboro Court Apartments in Bennettsville.
l2 FIGURE l3 Marlboro Court Apartments in Bennettsville. FIGURE l4 Detail of Hillcrest Apartments showing unused masonry ties.
l3 FIGURE l5 Detail of Hillcrest Apartments showing lack of continuity of plywood sheeting. FIGURE l6 Detail of Hill- crest Apartments showing poor diagonal bracing.
l4 FIGURE l7 Detail of Marlboro Court Apartments showing better bracing. FIGURE l8 Detail of Marlboro Court Apartments showing continuity provided by wood siding.
l5 FIGURE l9 Rental office of Marlboro Court Apartments.
