FOR SAFE ROOMS AND STORM SHELTERS INPENETRATION SOLUTIONS

HURRICANE AND TORNADO-PRONEAREAS IN THE UNITED STATES

www.roofpenetrationhousings.com info@roofpenetrationhousings.com 1-800-994-0945

Roof PenetrationHousings, LLC

1. Executive Summary 2. The History of Storm Shelters and Safe Rooms3. Most Common Problems in Wind Events4. US Codes and Standards

a. ICC-500b. FEMA P-361

6. Required Testing Methods 8. Dilemma in Design: Traditional Methods9. The CYCLONE® Line10. Conclusion11. References

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Perhaps one of the largest concerns facing the Architectural and Engineering (“A/E”) community is the design of safe room and storm shelters (“SR/SS”) to meet the stringent codes put forth by ICC-500-2014 (“ICC”) and FEMA P-361 (“FEMA”).

In this paper, we will discuss the specific design issues posed by the new codes, and conclude by presenting the CYCLONE® line from Roof Penetration Housings, LLC (“RPH”), which uniquely addresses these design issues with easy-to-use, third party tested solutions.

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THE HISTORY OF STORMSHELTERS AND SAFE ROOMS

Missile testing was not addressed by ASCE or building codes prior to 1992 when Hurricane Andrew, a Category 5 hurricane, struck the Bahamas, Florida, and the Gulf Coast. It was one of only four hurricanes to strike the US as a Category 5. Andrew killed 44 people and caused $25 billion in damage in Florida alone and had a death toll of 65 and caused almost $30 billion in damage in theGulf Coast area.1

In 2000, International Building Code was the first model building code that adopted wind-borne debris previsions. Because of the severe loss of life, codes were changed to make modifications to the code to provide protection for people, not just to minimize the building damage. This prompted more stringent requirements and regulations for missile impact.

The 2009 edition of the IBC, Section 423 (Section 323 of the IRC) has required that storm shelters be constructed in accordance with ICC-500. Therefore, regardless of the building code in that jurisdiction, all FEMA-funded safe rooms must meet the minimum requirements of ICC-500 and FEMA P-361.

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MOST COMMON PROBLEMSIN WIND EVENTS

When a hurricane or tornado strikes an area, it is imperative that a SR/SS be constructed to eliminate or lessen the possibility of a structure being breached by flying debris. These breaches can occur with doors, windows, roof, and the building structure itself. Joints between the roof and the wall are particularly vulnerable.

If a breach happens, there can be internal pressurization of the structure, causing a massive increase of pressure. This may cause other doors, windows, or the roof itself to blow outward, and potentially destroy the entire structure.

A common problem during extreme wind events is the failure of connections between building elements. This failure is often caused by a breach in the building envelope:

Broken doors Broken windows Partial roof failure

This denotes the importance of using third party tested products for wind and missile impact.

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The new codes have address this and denote the important of third party tested products for wind and missile impact.1

US CODES & STANDARDS

The ICC sets forth the standards for Storm Shelter design. It pertains to the design, construction, installation, and inspection of the structure. ICC-500-2014 is recognized by 2015 IBC and IRC. It sets out a minimum design for Storm Shelter design.2

FEMA design criteria is more conservative than ICC, as it requires all Safe Rooms including residential to meet the 250 MPH standards for tornadoes and hurricanes. ICC defines the structure as a Storm Shelter, whereas FEMA refers to them as Safe Rooms. Whenever FEMA granted funds are implemented, FEMA standards must be met even if the structure is not in the 23 state area or Florida. FEMA utilizes ICC as its minimum standard for missile impact testing.1

In 2008, the 200 FEMA standards were updated to put into code. The test methods in FEMA Chapter B8 and ICC-500-2014 Chapter 8, address missile impact testing and set for the standards therein.1

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The ICC-500-2014 sets for the following definitions:

Impact Protective SystemAs system or device mounted on the inside or outside of the exterior wall or roof of a shelter

Shelter EnvelopeThe protective walls, roof, doors, and other protective openings that are designed to meet the requirements of Chapter 3.

As referenced in both ICC-500 and FEMA P-361, it is required that impact protective systems be tested in accordance with Chapter 8 Section 804.9.6. The term “system” means the entire assembly not just the material.

Where are Safe Rooms required?

The below map shows the locations in the United States where SS/SR are required. It encompasses all or part of a 23 state area in the North, Midwest, and South/Southeastern part of the U.S. In addition, Florida recently adopted the code statewide.

https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/safe-rooms

The following structures must include a Storm Shelter constructed in accordance with ICC-500 when located in a 250-mph wind speed zone for tornadoes per Figure 304.2(1) of ICC 500:

911 call stations Emergency operations centers Fire, rescue, and ambulance stations Police stations K-12 school buildings with a capacity of 50 or more occupants, with certain exceptions

Definition of IPS

ICC 806.5 Impact Protective System (IPS) devices such as non-operable, permanently affixed shields or cowlings need not be pressure tested. FEMA B8.2.4.3 IPS includes shutters, shields and cowlings, plumbing vents, roof drains, and generator exhaust.

Exempt from pressure testing, but not missile impact testing.

Section 309.1 – Penetrations of Storm Shelter Envelope by MEP System2

Penetrations larger than 3 ½” square or 2” diameter shall be considered openings and shall be protected in accordance with section 306.3. Penetrations shall not degrade the structural integrity of the storm shelter and missile impact resistance of the envelope.

A/E Considerations for Safe Room Penetrations

Roof Drains and Plumbing Vents Plastic Cast iron Other

Penetration Enclosures All Considerations Must be Rated for the Following:

Minimum 250 MPH Wind Speed Minimum 100 MPH Missile Impact Test

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As referenced in both ICC-500 and FEMA P-361, it is required that impact protective systems be tested in accordance with Chapter 8 Section 804.9.6. The term “system” means entire assembly not just the material.

All assemblies must also be labeled that the assembly meets ICC-2014

Does your inhouse design provide for two-point defelection?

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REQUIRED TESTING METHODS

ICC-500-2014 Chapter 8: Methods for Impact and Pressure Testing2

Section 804 – Missile Impact Testing Section 804.3 Missile Impact Procedure Test specimens shall be impact tested with test missiles of size and speed as specified in Section 305 of this standard. The minimum number of impact locations shall be as detailed in Section 804.9. Debris-impact tests are conducted separately from pressure tests.

ICC 500-2014 Section 305: Missile Criteria for Shelters2

Tornado Shelters The debris impact test missile shall be a 15-pound sawn lumber 2 by 4 traveling at the speeds shown in Table 305.1.1. Hurricane Shelters The debris impact test missile shall be a 9-pound sawn lumber 2 by 4 traveling at the speeds shown in Table 305.1.1. Hurricane vs Tornado Higher missile speed testing for tornado (250mph)

Below is the Texas Tech wind testing protocol for debris impact:

Protocol #1: Hurricane Envelope Impact with a 9# Sawn Lumber 2”x4”, Propelled at 34 MPH. Protocol #2: 9# Sawn Lumber 2”x4” at .50 Times the Design Speed (MPH) for Horizontal. 9# Sawn Lumber 2”x4” at .10 Times the Design Speed (MPH) for Vertical

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RPH CYCLONE FEMA 361 & ICC-500 Test

Area of Missile Impacts

Typical areas that are tested by third party testing facilities on materials that are presented for impact missile testing Used by ICC 2014 design and construction of Storm Shelters and is recognized by FEMA 361.

Protocol #3: Same as Above with .20 Times for Vertical, per FEMA 320-2014 Protocol #4: 15# Sawn Lumber 2”x4” at 100 MPH Horizontal 15# Sawn Lumber 2”x4” at 67 MPH Vertical Per ICC 500-2014 and FEMA 361-2015 & FEMA 320-2014 Protocol #5: DOE Impact Standards

FEMA B.2.5.5 Clemson University Research determined that1:

Roof designs that incorporate a uniform thickness (i.e. flat slab), provide a more uniform protection from above than a waffle slab, ribbed slab or other designs which incorporate a thin slab supported by secondary beams. Study also found that cast-in place and precast roof sections performed quite well.

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DILEMMA IN DESIGN:TRADITIONAL METHODS

The new codes caused a significant issue for the A/E Design community for some of the following reasons:

Problems presented by traditional design methods:

To meet the stringent codes of ICC500-2014 many A/E designers were forced to bring MEP penetrations through the floor, which is less desirable than wall or roof penetrations. There were no manufacturers with any third-party tested impact protective devices on the market. At the onset, the structural engineers had to come up with a solution, and it was contractor built with no third party testing certifications. How do you protect these?

Many tornados, and especially hurricanes can produce an overabundance of rainfall. A traditional roof drain manufactured in plastic or cast iron. And as stated under vents, these materials will not pass the stringent tests. Clemson University recommends flat roofs as the preferred design, and they require roof drains. Preliminary designs used parapet roof drains, but these are normally available up to 4” outlets and clog easily. Most are made of cast iron. What is the answer?

Since all water closets and lavatories need to be vented, the only available materials were plastic or cast iron soil pipe vents. However, none of these materials could withstand the missile impact tests required by ICC/FEMA. How do you vent?

A/E Designers were accustomed to bringing in MEP services directly through the wall or roof. An impact protective device needed tobe implemented.

PenetrationProtections

Venting

Roof Drains

Roof Hatches

All SS/SR must have restrooms, and the plumbing fixtures mustbe vented.

Clemson University has stated that flat roofs are the most practical. These must have roof drains.

There is not a roof hatch manufacturer at the date of this paper that has a unit capable of passing the missile impact test. What do you use?

Most architects prefer to have a roof hatch installed in the structure.

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THE CYCLONE® LINE

CWVSO (Shroud Only) Models:

CWVS0101110 - 10”x11”X10”DCWVS0242416 - 24”x24”X16”DCWVS0484816 - 48”x48”X16”DCWVS0-DUCTWORK - specify size above or custom ductwork connection on flat panel on wall and protected by shroud. Duct size 8“X8” up to 40”X14”

CVTR Models:

2002 2”2003 3”2004 4”2006 6”

CRD Models:

CRD-4 4”CRD-6 6”CRD-8 8”CRD-10 10”

Shroud to cover RPH standard Wall VAULT® (VW Series) for Safe Room/Storm Shelter applicationsTested to meet ICC-500 2014/FEMA P-361 missile impact rating 250+mphDesigned to protect all parapet roof penetrations or exterior wall penetrations of a Safe Room/Storm ShelterFor vertical surface wall mountingRust-resistant steel coatingAvailable as Shroud only in: 10”x11”X10”D, 24”x24”X16”D; or 48”x48”X16”DCustoms as required

Roof Vents to meet ICC-500 2014/FEMA P-361 missile impact rating 250+mph for Safe Room/Storm Shelter applicationsVTR shall be RPH CYCLONE VAULT® series CVTR2000Rust-resistant steel coatingPiping to extend through roof, secured to underside by roof deck with SILX14™ gasket and flangeConnection with no-nub coupling inside by contractor, availabe 2”-6”

Primarily for pured-in-place (suffix “PP”) applications; Precast (suffix “PC”) models also availableMeets ANSI standards for size andGPM dischargeFor Safe Room/Storm Shelter applications; 3rd-party tested to meet ICC-500 2014 impact-resistant to 250+mph40-year protection from rustDome shaped to dampen shock to roof drain sumpSteel or polymer body & dome

Size 40" x 32"3/16" carbon steel, factory coating SRI 88.2 whiteCurb 8" highGas spring lifting mechanismMeets ICC-500-2014 and FEMA 361 250+ windspeed criteriaTest methods ASTM E330-14 uniform static A/P differential and missile impact test

Product

Protective DevicesCYCLONE Wall Shroud (CWVSO)

10”x11”X10”D 48”X48”X16”D

Models Specifications

VentingCYCLONE Vent through Roof (CVTR)

Roof DrainCYCLONE Roof Drain (CRD)

Roof Hatch CRH Models:

CRH4032CYCLONE Roof Hatch (CRH)

CONCLUSION

The challenges for the design and construction of Safe Rooms and Storm Shelters posed by code change from ICC 500-2014 /FEMA P361 prompted several architects and engineers in the country, who have been specifying the RPH VAULT® system, to reach out to RPH to help solve the problem of penetrations in roofs and walls.

The result was the introduction of the CYCLONE® line of products to provide an answer to this dilemma with a complete selection of third party tested solutions.

RPH has a product to meet most MEP penetrations that maybe encountered on your projects. Please contact us at +1 (800) 994-0945 or visit us at www.roofpenetrationhousings.com for more information. We are proudly made in the USA and our products are available for download via REVIT.

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REFERENCES

1. Safe Rooms for Tornados & Hurricanes. FEMA P-361, 3rd Edition. March 2015.2. ICC-500-2014 International Code Council. October 7,2014.