Some effects of Tephra falls on buildings

A survey of the volcanological literature reveals that only limited generalisations concerning the effects of volcanic bomb impacts and tephra loads on buildings can be made. By using data from a variety of other sources, however, it is possible to define the impact energies required to penetrate or damage a variety of building materials. These data can then be translated into equivalent bomb sizes and densities. Similarly, snow load effects on building roofs can be converted into data on the likely effects of tephra loads so that the towns, suburbs, buildings, and even portions of buildings, most at risk can be identified. Such data now need to be checked against detailed field surveys of bomb impact and tephra load damage.-Author