Performance of housing in Brisbane following storms on 16 November 2008

Abstract

A significant level of convective storm activity occurred in southeast Queensland during the period 16 to 20 November 2008. The various storm systems caused widespread damage to housing in many parts of Brisbane, although the peak gust wind speeds were estimated to be less than the current design wind speed for the city. Surveys of damage indicated that housing built post- 1980 performed better than older housing, when building regulations were less stringent. Detailed inspections of damage showed that failures could be attributed to inadequate construction details, either built poorly or, for contemporary housing, not built in accordance with current requirements. The paper summarises some anomalies, and recommends improvement in design standards, codes and procedures.