Holguín boosts research on lightweight roofs
- Written by Yanela Ruiz González
- Published in Holguin
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The results of a research project at the University of Holguín (UHo) related to the wind effects on lightweight roofs could be the solution to reduce the effects of hurricanes, with high activity recorded in the last two decades.
The project, belonging to the Center for the Study of Computer-aided Design and Manufacturing, Cad / Cam, of the UHo and funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, comprises several researches led by students and professors of Mechanical and Civil Engineering careers.
DrC Roberto Andrés Estrada Cingualbres, a team member of the project, said that the first researches began in 2014 in order to find solutions that allow mitigating the impact of strong winds on fiber cement and galvanized steel roofs, manufactures in the province of Las Tunas, which are mainly used in Cuba.
"Taking into account our geographical area, highly vulnerable to great intensity hurricanes and the large percentage that light covers represent in our country (45 percent), particularly in Holguín (51 percent), according to the 2012 population and housing census, and the danger that its collapse generates for human lives, the high economic and social impact on housing, social and industrial works, we gave ourselves the task of investigating the subject ", explained Cingualbres.
Using computer-assisted simulation methods, various situations were modeled to analyze the effects of the winds on these covers. One of the reasons is related to the incorrect placement of this type of roof. In this regard, researches dedicated themselves to study the causes of those ones that even complying with the assembly rules, are damaged after the onslaught of great intensity winds.
“We first identified the causes of roofs collapse, including the securing points. In other words, where the screws are placed in the shape of a j, there are critical values that make the covers not withstand winds from hurricanes of category 4 or 5 on the Saffir Simpson scale ”, he pointed out.
According to Cingualbres, the second stage of the project delves into possible solutions to avoid roofs collapse and shows partial results that can be applied.
"We have proposals for securing points that can make the covers resist winds of up to 250 km / h, which would contribute to solve the problem," he said.
The research not only contributes to a local or national solution, but it is applicable to the entire region where there is also a great use of lightweight covers.