Sonic Boom and Natural Deterioration Effects on Buildings - White Sands Structure Resurvey

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the current state of natural deterioration of the structures used for sonic boom testing purposes by the FAA and to compare that state with the damages caused by the 1494 sonic booms generated during the tests. Structural response tests were conducted under sonic booms ranging in intensity from 1.5 psf. to 38 psf. Since the testing program, seven years of natural forces resulting from sun, wind, moisture and soil movements have taken place. It was of great interest, therefore, to reeaxamine these structures some seven years later and determine the amount of naturally occurring cumulative damage that has taken place over the years.