Deterministic solutions for contact force generated by impact of windborne debris

• Peak contact force (Fcmax) generated by impact of windborne debris is quantified using a custom built device.
• A deterministic model is developed to predict Fcmax generated by the impact of a debris object.
• The accuracy of predicted Fcmax is verified by comparison with impact experiments.
• Generalised relationships to predict Fcmax are provided.

Impact by windborne debris can cause severe and wide spread damage to building facades and other exposed installations. There is no clear guidance on how to estimate the amount of force generated by the impact of windborne debris when design codes of practices only provide estimates of the wind pressure. The model presented in this paper enables the value of the peak contact force generated by the impact of a piece of debris to be predicted. Results of calculations employing the derived relationships have been verified by comparison with experimental results across a wide range of impact scenarios. Once the impact action has been quantified the predicted impact force can be applied to the target in a quasi-static manner for predicting damage.