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![]() In addition, many of the fact sheets include lists of additional resources that provide more information about the topics discussed. The fact sheets make extensive use of photographs and drawings to illustrate National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulatory requirements, the proper siting of coastal buildings, and recommended design and construction practices, including structural connections, the building envelope, utilities, and accessory structures. These fact sheets present information aimed at improving the performance of buildings subject to flood and wind forces in coastal environments. Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series (FEMA P-499)FEMA has produced a series of 37 fact sheets that provide technical guidance and recommendations concerning the construction of coastal residential buildings.Coastal Construction Manual: Principles and Practices of Planning, Siting, Designing, Constructing, and Maintaining Residential Building in Coastal Areas, 4th Edition, (FEMA P-55).Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes® Coordinating Building Codes and Floodplain Management Regulations 5th Edition, October 2019 – Developed by the International Code Council and FEMA, this guide helps state and local officials integrate the International Codes® (I-Codes) into their current floodplain management regulatory processes related to coordinate with structures, buildings, and other development in special flood hazard areas in order to meet the requirements to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.National Flood Insurance Program, Floodplain Management Requirements: A Study Guide and Desk Reference for Local Officials, (FEMA 480).Floodproofing Certificate for Non-Residential Structures (FEMA Form 086-0-34).The duration for the entire playlist of 8 videos is 1hr 40 min. Had it broken-away as designed, there likely wouldn’t have been any damage to the livable area of this building.In this 8 part YouTube video series by FEMA, viewers will learn how to properly complete each section of the Elevation Certificate (EC). A large obstruction can be seen behind the wall, preventing it from breaking-away. The window was smashed and flood waters rushed inside. When this wall failed to break-away, the wave action was deflected upwards. If designed properly, the following photograph shows how a ground floor enclosure with breakaway walls would/should look after a ravaging storm. Wooden lattice will break more readily when struck by floating debris. It won’t break, and will collect a large amount of debris causing the wave action force to be transmitted to the entire building. Plastic lattice is much too durable for below flood applications in type "V" and "Coastal A" flood zones.Exterior siding is extended down to cover breakaway walls.Free from obstructions: If there’s something big installed next to such a wall - freezer, refrigerator, heavy shelving etc, it’ll prevent the wall from breaking-away.Interior finishes makes these walls harder to break-away, and encourage occupancy where prohibited. Inside is finished: Breakaway walls are considered expendable, for the greater good of the building.These walls can’t break-away as designed if pipes and wires will tie them to the building. No utilities can be attached to or through these walls, such as: pipes, electrical wiring etc.Construction / Inspectionīreakaway wall inspections often fail for these reasons: Once these walls break-away, the water rolls back and forth under the building between the columns, exerting very little force upon the building. If these walls didn’t break-away, the forces against them would be transmitted to the entire building, which could cause it to collapse. (V-Zone Certification form.) Purpose of the Walls These breakaway walls must be designed and certified by an Engineer to certain pressure tolerances, so when violent waters hit these walls they break-away from the building. "V" zones are located along or near coastlines, where the "velocity" from breaking waves is considered most destructive, and where building codes have higher standards. However, these areas must have breakaway walls and flood vents. In type "V" and "Coastal A" flood zones, enclosed areas below flood levels may be used to for minimal storage, parking and access to upper levels. ![]()
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