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The Hurricane Hutch was tested at the Texas Tech University Wind Science and Engineering Research Center Debris Impact Facility on July 6, 2007 in Texas.
Test Criteria
The testing described is for simulated windborne debris. The primary simulations are impacts of a 2x4-in. wood board traveling along the board’s longitudinal axis, striking the test subject perpendicular to the test subject face. Standards that use this type of simulated debris include ASTM E 1886-04 “Standard Test Method for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protection Systems Impacted by Missiles and Exposed to Cyclic Pressure Differentials,” SSTD 12-99“SBCII Test Standard for Determining Impact Resistance From Windborne Debris,” ANSI A250.13-2003, “Testing and Rating of Severe Windstorm Resistant Components for Swing Door Assemblies,” the
National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA), “Standard for the Design, Construction, and Performance of Storm Shelters,” and Texas Tech University, Wind Science and Engineering’s Tornado Test Criterion adopted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in publication FEMA 320, “Taking Shelter from the Storm,” and FEMA 361, “ Design and Construction Guidance for Community Shelters.” The hurricane test criterion uses a 9-lb. 2x4-in. wood board called a missile. The Hurricane Envelope Protocol, per ASTM E 1886-04, uses the missile traveling horizontally at 34-mph (50 feet/second), which corresponds to a 110-150-mph wind, and is the criterion used for property protection. The Hurricane Shelter Protocol, per the proposed ICC/NSSA Standard, utilizes the 9 lb. missile traveling a 0.04 x the Hurricane Design Wind Speed. Hurricane Shelter horizontal surfaces require an impact speed of 0.10 x the Hurricane Design Wind Speed.
Test Procedure
The first test on a system is to determine if the basic concept or structural element is capable of resisting the impact. This done by impacting the target in a general field or the area deemed most vulnerable. If the system resists the impact then the testing is concentrated on connections and material support conditions. Shelter walls or test panels are impacted with three test missiles in different and vulnerable locations. Shelter roofs/ceilings constructed differently from the walls are impacted with three test missiles in different and vulnerable locations. Shelter appurtenances, vents, louvers, windows, electrical boxes, shelves, seats, etc., are impacted by a single missile.
Pass/Fail Criteria
The criterion for the shelter/shell/panel test pass/fail is as follows:
1) The test subject must be impacted by a minimum three missiles in areas of perceived vulnerability;
2) the missile may penetrate that test subject, but may not perforate the safe side (back face) of the subject;
3) the test subject permanent deflection after impact must be less than 3-in.;
4) segments, spallings or otherwise de-laminated portions of the test subject, though stillattached to the subject, may not extend into the safe compartment 3-in. or more; and
5) segments of the test subject or appurtenances attached to the test subject must not beejected or otherwise released into the safe compartment by the impact force.
Test Conclusion
The final design of the Hurricane Hutch containment vessel tested on July 06, 2007 is capable of resisting the Hurricane Envelope Protocol directive of a 9-lb. 2x4-in. wood board traveling at 34-imph. Furthermore, and relying solely on visual inspection, the final design of the Hurricane Hutch containment vessel was capable of producing the same quality of water intrusion resistance post-testing as was afforded by the structure prior to testing. The final design of the Hurricane Hutch containment vessel tested on July 06, 2007 is also capable of resisting the Hurricane Shelter Protocol directive of a 9-lb. 2x4-in. wood board traveling at 88-mph., the maximum test criteria for Hurricane Shelter impacts. Visual inspection suggested the vessel would remain resistant to water intrusion at the same level as afforded prior to testing.
E-mail: info@hurricanehutch.com |
