On April 19th, 1996, Illinois recorded its largest tornado outbreak on record. A total of 39 tornadoes were observed across the state. One particular supercell in central Illinois was responsible for producing 10 tornadoes. Including an F2 strength tornado in Jacksonville, as well as F3 strength tornadoes in Decatur, Champaign/Urbana, and Ogden. These tornadoes left a path of destruction and loss of life.
The International Code Counsel, along with many contingencies from state wide Building Official/Inspectors associations went to Urbana to attempt to find out why certain structures were not destroyed. The answer was “Load path engineering”. When a structure is built with this technology, it becomes extremely resilient to high winds and other natural forces. The idea is that all connections from the foundation through the roof structure are mechanically fastened together to form one assembly.
Subsequently, the 2009, 2012, and 2015 versions of the Michigan Residential Code recognized the importance of this science and input all these techniques into our latest codes. All new structures are built to these standards and result in extremely resilient buildings. Existing buildings built before the new codes were adopted can still be retrofitted with load path engineering, consult your local suppliers and contractors regarding cost. A recent study conducted by the NFPA found that the average American spends 90% of every day inside buildings. It only makes sense that the City of Grand Ledge Building Department would be working diligently to ensure resilient, safe, and quality built structures for the people who live, work and visit Grand Ledge.