Questions about the Superdome

Thousands of New Orleans residents with don't have the means to leave are taking shelter in it. So, how far above sea-level is the Superdome?

Less crucially, there's the question of how  the roof will fare. According to the National Weather Service, "High-rise office and apartment buildings will sway dangerously, a few to the point of total collapse. All windows will blow out. Airborne debris will be widespread, and may include heavy items such as household appliances and even light vehicles."

I hope the questions quickly become moot, everything holds up, and everybody stays safe.

Comments

[Anodyne]

I read somewhere that the Superdome is designed to handle winds up to 300 mph. That sounds remarkable, but I suppose it's possible. Solid dome designs, as opposed to dome covers, (like the Pontiac Silverdome) have inherently high pressure from wind (PSF) factors relative to flat structures.

Given the bowl shape of NO, the relative elevation of the Superdome is probably more important than its elevation relative to sea level. The Superdome is on relatively high ground. I think the French quarter sits on relatively higher ground too.