To account for impact in building design, a structural engineer may take the following steps:
1. Determine the potential sources of impact: This could include natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods as well as factors like collisions, explosions, and other physical impacts.
2. Conduct risk assessments: The engineer will review the site's history, proximity to potential impact sources, and any other relevant factors to determine the level of risk that the building will face.
3. Design for impact resistance: Once the engineer has assessed the risks and identified the potential sources of impact, they will incorporate specific design features to reduce the building's vulnerability to these events. These could include reinforced concrete or steel framing, shock absorbers, flexible joints, and other measures.
4. Perform impact testing: In some cases, engineers may test building components or systems under controlled conditions to determine their resistance to impact events. This will help them refine their design and engineering specifications to better account for the specific types of impact the building may face.
5. Evaluate ongoing maintenance needs: Finally, the engineer will ensure that the building's impact-resistant features are maintained and inspected regularly to ensure continued functionality. This will include regular reviews of the building's structural integrity, replacement of any worn or damaged components, and ongoing monitoring of any relevant environmental or other factors that could impact the building's resistance to impact events.
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