Certain home shapes and roof types can better resist high winds and hurricanes, according to a researcher at NJIT. Civil engineer Rima Taher, PhD, special lecturer in  NJIT's New Jersey School of Architecture, spent two years examining the findings of research centers that have studied the best designs, construction materials and methods needed to withstand extreme wind events and hurricanes. >>

“During construction, pieces are still coming together, so there is definitely some vulnerability,” says John Schuring, in response to the parking deck collapse in Atlantic City. “Also, the loading on the structure is unpredictable during construction.” A multi-story structure such as a parking deck also relies on the strength of concrete cured just days earlier. “Sometimes,” he adds, those strengths may be overestimated because the concrete is not fully cured.” >>