Track: Construction Management

Abstract

Although many studies have focused on identifying the single factors that cause wind-induced damages on roofs, the studies carried out in the Sri Lankan context mainly focus on the wind patterns in Sri Lanka and the damages to people and property. Therefore, there is a need for pooling of expertise to identify the wind-induced damages to roof, strategies to mitigate them and challenges encountered to systematically adopting avenues in the Sri Lankan context. This study administered a qualitative approach. The extensive literature review was followed by semi structured interviews with 07 subject matter experts and data was analysed using manual content analysis. The findings revealed that roof is the most vulnerable building element to wind disaster, even in the Sri Lankan context. It also proved that location and topography, structures and vegetation around the building, proximity and the height of neighbouring buildings or structures, shape, elevation and height of the building, choice of roofing material and workmanship are the factors contributing to wind-induced damages on roof. Strategies should be adopted considering these factors. Reluctance to adhered to current standards and guidelines is the major challenge.