>I did some googling.
>
> My memories were accurate as far as they went. Considerable research and
> practice has gone into developing wind resistant houses...most
> specifically, *hurricane* resistant. Codes in coastal areas where
> hurricanes are prevalent are much more stringent than in tornado alley.
> Given that tornadoes are also 'wind events' would strongly suggest that
> the same techniques be applied in at least a good portion of the rest of
> the interior as well.
>
> The failure modes of various types of construction are well-defined; and
> methods for strongly mitigating them are not only well-understood, but can
> be easily and economically implemented--at least in new construction--and
> much can be done to improve existing structures. Estimates of cost vary,
> but have been stated to be around 2.5%% to 5%% over the price of
> conventional new construction.
>
> Noting that the tornado in and around Lafayette was listed as an F-2, this ...

> but if I were in the construction
> business, I don't believe I'd be making any claims that my buildings could
> withstand an F-5 tornado.

>

>>
>> "It may be reasoned that a home constructed in compliance with
>> hurricane coastline wind loads could withstand full exposure to
>> tornadoes classified up to F2. Since tornado forces decrease
>> dramatically within a short distance of the funnel, a well-constructed
>> home would also be less vulnerable to winds on the outer regions of
>> F3, F4, or F5 tornado."
>>

>
> I'd like to see live experiments on this one. It could likely be done in
> a wind tunnel. And maybe they've done tests, or at least simulations on
> a computer.

> I've been considering digging a 6x6 foot hole in the back yard (not sure
> how deep), lining it with concrete blocks, and covering it with a heavy
> steel door that fastens from the inside with sliding bolts.
>
> It just needs to be physically tolerable for two people, and only for a
> short amount of time.
>
> --fc

> I've been considering digging a 6x6 foot hole in the back yard (not sure
> how deep), lining it with concrete blocks, and covering it with a heavy
> steel door that fastens from the inside with sliding bolts.
>
> It just needs to be physically tolerable for two people, and only for a
> short amount of time.
>
> --fc

> I've been considering digging a 6x6 foot hole in the back yard (not sure
> how deep), lining it with concrete blocks, and covering it with a heavy
> steel door that fastens from the inside with sliding bolts.
>
> It just needs to be physically tolerable for two people, and only for a
> short amount of time.
>
> --fc

> Olin wrote:

>>

>
>

>>>
>>> "It may be reasoned that a home constructed in compliance with hurricane
>>> coastline wind loads could withstand full exposure to tornadoes
>>> classified up to F2. Since tornado forces decrease dramatically within
>>> a short distance of the funnel, a well-constructed home would also be
>>> less vulnerable to winds on the outer regions of F3, F4, or F5 tornado."
>>>

>>
>> I'd like to see live experiments on this one. It could likely be done in
>> a wind tunnel. And maybe they've done tests, or at least simulations on a
>> computer.

>
> The best live experiment can be observed first-hand this weekend. I plan
> to load up the van with the chainsaw, climbing gear, water and ice...as ...

> I've been considering digging a 6x6 foot hole in the back yard (not sure
> how deep), lining it with concrete blocks, and covering it with a heavy
> steel door that fastens from the inside with sliding bolts.
>
> It just needs to be physically tolerable for two people, and only for a
> short amount of time.