A STUDY OF K4 FACTOR IMPACT ON INDUSTRIAL AND POST-CYCLONIC IMPORTANCE STRUCTURES

Despite the improvements in regulations and design provisions for buildings, the economic impact and loss of life as a result of wind induced damage is still significantly high. Post hurricane investigations have repeatedly reported that wind and wind –driven rain have been the cause of extensive damage to building components and their premises (Tecle, et al, 2013)[26]. Very strong winds more than 80 km/h are associated with the cyclonic storms IS 875Part3:2015 [13]. Studies of wind speed and damage to buildings and structures point to the fact that the speed given in the basic wind speed map is often exceeded during the cyclones IS 875 Part3:2015 [13]. In order to ensure better safety of structures in the cyclonic region, the IS 875-Part3:2015 [13] introduced the k4 factor /Importance factor for enhancing the design wind speed calculations. The k4 factor has a numerical value 1.15 for industrial structures, 1.30 for Post cyclone importance structures and 1.00 for general structures.