The Structural Engineers Association of Colorado (SEAC) Wind Committee is working on a revised wind speed study to accurately define the Colorado Special Wind Region (SWR). The existing data is based on an outdated wind study, and it lacks coverage for areas south of Castle Rock, Colo. The new study aims to update the Front Range Wind Speed map with modern design approaches and extend coverage to major population centers like Colorado Springs.
The estimated cost of the large and impactful study is around $200,000. SEAC has applied for FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) funding to cover up to 75% of this amount. SEAC has pledged to raise the remaining $50,000, with an initial $5,000 pledge from the SEAC board and the NCSEA Foundation’s SEA Grant Program.
“Fundraising is a challenging endeavor and having the financial support from NCSEA at start the fundraising helped show the importance of this effort and has increased the likelihood of getting this study fully funded,” said SEAC Vice President and Treasurer Jordan Jarrett, Ph.D, P.E.
The application period for the SEA Grant Program is open through Sept. 13. For more information, click here.