In the article “How Volcanic Ash Strengthens A
Roof Against Powerful Projectiles”, Williams (2019) states that the addition of
volcanic ash layers on the roofs can mitigate the impact of volcanic
projectiles on shelters around active volcanoes.
Williams claims that scientists had discovered
mountain huts were capable of providing life-saving shelter for hikers during
the eruption that took place at Mount Ontake, Japan 2014. This finding inspired
the scientists to further study on how the addition of volcanic ash on roofs
could reduce impacts of projectiles. Through meticulous simulation, scientists
were able to deduce that the thickness of ash deposit is proportional to the
roofs’ energy absorption rate from projectiles. Five centimeters of ash layer
tripled the strength of the roof from projectiles. However, heavier loads of
ash may affect the structural integrity of the roof.
Additionally, he states that scientists expected
buildings to take more damage from multiple volcanic hazards as compared to
one. Tests proved otherwise, on condition that tephra is placed on roofs before impacts. Willams concludes that researchers will conduct further investigation to determine the optimum
range of ash deposit layers to achieve a balance between reducing impact of
projectiles and risk of roof collapsing.
Williams,G.T. (2019, November 12). How Volcanic Ash Strengthens A Roof Against Powerful Projectiles. Earth Observatory Blog.
Retrieved from https://www.earthobservatory.sg/blog/how-volcanic-ash-strengthens-roof-against-powerful-projectiles
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