Structural damage caused by Cyclone 'Kathy' at Borroloola, N.T. March 1984.

Includes figs and tables

Tropical cyclone 'Kathy' crossed the coast and passed close to the town of Borroloola on March 23, 1984. Although the maximum wind speeds had been reduced by the cyclone's progress over land, the winds of up to 190 kph damaged many buildings. This report details an investigation to determine the maximum wind speed in the town, the damage to buildings and the steps taken by the local counter disaster organisation to minimise injury to the townspeople. The benefit of recent building regulations and building supervision could be seen in the damage pattern. Most of the failures observed were due to inadequate connection details between structural elements that were able to carry the wind loads themselves. Conclusions are also drawn on the effect of internal pressures on the performance of structures, and on the lack of tie down provisions for boats, caravans and temporary structures .550.