Published works

This project will provide practical structural retrofits that will make a significant improvement in the performance of Pre-80s (Legacy) houses to wind loads. The major activity carried out in 2018-19 by the CTS-JCU and GA has been progressing the VAWS software package using wind loading and structural response and other test data:

• Two house types were selected and incorporated in the VAWS package. The structural response (i.e. damage progression) with increasing wind speed has been modelled, calibrated and validated. Costing modules have also been incorporated in VAWS.
• The VAWS model was demonstrated at a Stakeholder Workshop in Sydney on 3 June 2019. The VAWS model and outputs for a High-set house was presented at this workshop and the stakeholders were asked for feedback on VAWS and proposed guidelines for upgrading methods. Further uses for VAWS were also discussed. The feedback from the Stakeholders was positive and useful for further development of the software package.

This project has also provided advice to the Queensland Government Household Resilience Program which provides funding to help eligible home owners improve the resilience of their homes against cyclones. This program is managed by the Queensland Department of Housing & Public Works (QDHPW) and commenced in late 2018. Eligible home owners can apply to receive a Queensland Government grant of 75% of the cost of improvements (up to a maximum of $11,250 including GST. About 2000 houses have been retrofitted.