Arkansas Alumnus Contributes Engineering Skills in Moore, Okla.

Floyd and a colleague examine tornado damage in Moore, Okla.
Photo Submitted

Floyd and a colleague examine tornado damage in Moore, Okla.

Royce Floyd, who earned a doctorate in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas in 2012, works 10 miles from the spot where an EF5 tornado touched down in Moore, Okla., on May 20.

As an assistant professor of civil engineering at the University of Oklahoma, Floyd joined a team of other researchers to gather data after the disaster. The team, which is sponsored by a Rapid Response grant from the National Science Foundation, collected information about the performance of buildings in the area. This data could help the people of Moore, and other communities facing threats from tornadoes, be better prepared.

Floyd and other faculty at OU worked with researchers from the University of Alabama, the University of Florida and Mississippi State University. Floyd and his OU colleagues are analyzing lateral load-bracing systems. He explained that houses in Moore built after the 1999 tornado are required to have a solid material, like plywood or oriented strand board, surrounding the walls. Solid outer walls can transfer force from winds into the foundation of the building, whereas walls that alternate wood with a nonstructural material, such as foam insulation, are more easily damaged. The OU researchers will compare data from these two types of lateral bracing to see the effect of these regulations on the survivability of the buildings.

In areas affected by tornadoes, having robust buildings is important, but Floyd explained that communities like Moore also need concrete shelters or storm cellars. Homes and other buildings can be designed to withstand EF2 or EF3 tornadoes, but in the event of a stronger tornado, like the one that hit Moore in May, only a shelter or cellar can provide complete protection for people who live in the path of the storm. Floyd explained that protecting a community from tornadoes requires both effective construction practices and easily available shelters.

Micah Hale, associate professor of civil engineering at the University of Arkansas, was Floyd's doctoral adviser. "One of the most satisfying things about teaching is watching your students graduate and use their skills to help their communities. It's great to see former students like Royce, who is using his engineering education in the classroom and the lab, but also in a very immediate way, providing help where it is needed," said Hale.

"This was an opportunity to contribute to something that can help the people of Oklahoma," said Floyd. "To find ways to better protect the people in the state."

 

Contacts

Camilla Medders, Director of Communications
College of Engineering
479-575-5697, camillam@uark.edu

Headlines

Food Scientists Show Rice Malt Has Potential to Play a Bigger Role in Beer

With Arkansas growing about half of the rice in the United States, and shortages of traditional raw materials such as barley, evaluating rice cultivars for use in malted brewing was one goal of U of A researchers.

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Senior Design Projects Reviewed by Alumni

Students condensed their design work into senior design projects and presented them for department alumni and other industry professionals, gaining insights from peers and faculty members.

An Evening With NWA Soldier Songs and Voices: The Healing Power of Music

Members of the Northwest Arkansas chapter of Soldier Songs and Voices will share their experiences and perform music in the Pryor Center atrium at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 5.

University Not Pursuing Full External Management of Custodial and Grounds Services

Following an evaluation process that provided the U of A with the opportunity to learn more about its current operations compared to the market, the university will maintain its current workforce.

NAHJ UARK: Free Churros and Sodas During J-Days Celebration

 The U of A chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists will offer churros and sodas on the north patio of Kimpel Hall from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday. Stop by and support your local journalist.

News Daily