This Appendix identifies the different aspects of a building’s structure as to its relative structural vulnerability. No visual advice is given for considering a building’s number of storeys.

BUILDING MATERIALS

Above: A typical timber structure. Below: A sheet metal clad building.

Above: A rendered brick structure which, in good condition is difficult to discern from a reinforced concrete structure (see below):

Above: A steel pile structure. These are generally open plan.

SHAPE & ORIENTATION

The orientation of a building cannot easily be expressed in a photograph, being a factor dependent on that structure’s location in relation to the coastline. Therefore this section deals only with a building’s shape.

Above: A building with a favourable shape due to its rounded nature.

Above: A slightly oblong building with neither favourable (it is not rounded) nor unfavourable (it does not contain one axis significantly longer than the other).

Below: An unfavourably shaped building, being oblong in shape with one axis significantly longer than the other:

Above: A building considered to have a very unfavourable shape – in this instance, this is the Central Administration Complex in Road Town. Note the U-shaped frontage of the structure

parallel to the coastline.

GROUND FLOOR OPENINGS

Above: A building which is not open plan, with few openings and any window areas shuttered.

Above: A building which is not considered to be open plan, but does contain a number of windows.

Below: A building considered to be 50% or more open plan: This cannot easily be identified by means of a photograph, but a building must be identified as having all four sides open plan to be

fully open plan. A building with two sides open plan and two sides with no openings, usually located at the rear of the building, is considered to be 50% open plan, whilst a similar building

with two sides open plan and other sides containing windows would be considered as 50% open plan with windows.

STRUCTURAL CONDITION

Above: a building considered to be in excellent condition, with no evidence of structural damage.

Below: a building considered to be in good condition, with some minor cracks or wear identified.

Above: A building of average condition, with wear and cracking more pronounced.

Below: A poorly conditioned building, with obvious structural damage.

Above: A structure in very poor condition, with visible disintegration of the structure.

MOVEABLE OBJECTS

The risk from moveable objects cannot be identified easily, or at all, in photographs. However, as a guide, the following should be considered in view of moveable objects:

Extreme Risk: A building is adjacent to a crossroads, car parks, marinas or the coast (if a number of boats are considered to use that coastline).

High Risk: In close proximity to one of the above areas

Moderate Risk: Somewhat distanced from objects but still in direct line of sight

Minimal Risk: Partially sheltered or not in a direct line of sight

Negligible: Fully sheltered by other buildings