Engineering Resilience of Pedestal-Supported Raised Deck Assemblies Under Hurricane Wind Loads: A Multi-Year Review of HVHZ-Compliant Façade Systems (2022–2025)

This multi-year synthesis (March 2022 – May 2025) consolidates applied engineering and materials-science research on hurricane-resistant pedestal-supported raised deck systems for the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) of Miami-Dade County, Florida. The review integrates three complementary data streams: (1) full-scale and component-level laboratory testing published or supplied by the Florida International University Wall of Wind Experimental Facility and by PRI Construction Materials Technologies LLC under ANSI/FM 4474 Appendix B; (2) architectural and design-side input from FZAD Architecture + Design, P.C. (Manhattan, NY); and (3) manufacturer documentation and ICC-ES Evaluation Reports from Buzon Pedestal International S.A. (Belgium), DPS Pedestal Systems / Eterno Ivica Antivento (Italy), NT Pavers porcelain pavers, and the Tile Tech Pavers Hex-Tray™ uplift-restraint system. Reported values include an ultimate uplift pressure of 156 psf (ASD −78 psf) for a Buzon PB-4 pedestal assembly with StealthBond adhesive over TPO membrane. The work concludes with a generalized installation methodology, a regulatory compliance roadmap, an economic overview, and a proposed framework specification — the Resilient Raised-Deck Specification — intended as a basis for future ICC-ES and Miami-Dade Product Control submittals. Prepared as an undergraduate research synthesis for academic submission.