Contending with Strong Winds

Several weeks ago, we ran a blog post about wind-testing a structure called a yurt. So far, it has passed the test. However, this past Thursday, we hosted a huge media event, and we contracted with a local vendor to set up a 20x30 tent as a backup just in case of rain. It did rain, but then cleared up just before the media arrived. Our vendor was scheduled to take the tent down that afternoon but was unable to get to it until Monday. Unfortunately, a storm passed through the Williamstown area on Friday night and mangled his tent. The tent was staked and at each corner there was a 250-lb. block of concrete to anchor it. As you can see from the photo, the wind triumphed in that encounter.

In the meantime, the yurt still stands and did what it was designed to do—resist the effects of heavy winds!

As you may have read before, the three towers being built as part of the Ark structure are to provide stairways, elevators, and bathrooms But these towers are also necessary to anchor the Ark structure so that it can resist 120 MPH winds, which exceeds code requirements.

Here is a picture of where the Ark will be fastened to the one of the towers.

Come visit the Ark Construction Observation site this summer and witness the building of this truly amazing project!