Schools Tackle Storm Resistance
/Precast concrete is an inherently resilient building material and has the proven ability to provide protection against extreme weather events such as tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. Because of its resiliency, precast is often used in FEMA shelters and when used in schools, can create a dual purpose for the facility by enabling it to act as a storm shelter for the community. Many districts apply for FEMA funding grants to assist with the cost of new construction and the new construction must adhere to the types of requirements that precast concrete naturally addresses (i.e. IBC wind rating to 250 mph).
This cutaway BIM drawing shows a gymnasium with a total-precast concrete structural system designed as a FEMA safe room for the Marquand Zion School District in Mar-quand, Mo. The 1,400-square-foot, two-story addition on the side of the 8,000-square foot gym qualifies as part of the safe room but contains restrooms below and mechanical systems above that feed into the gym. Photo: Toth and Associates
Using Precast For School Storm Shelters
Through the use of precast, designers are able to develop hardened areas and safe zones within schools that students and faculty members can use when extreme weather events occur. Total precast solutions are the best solution for resistance to tornadoes, hurricanes, and extreme thunderstorms. The idea of safe rooms tends to be overlooked when designing school facilities because of budget constraints along with the assumption that these structures will have a “bunker” appearance. However, there have been a number of successfully constructed facilities, such as gyms, classrooms, and performing art centers, that meet the needs of safe rooms while avoiding the traditional look of a bunker.
Tornadoes
In the past, most people have associated the Midwest with Tornado Alley. However, in recent years Tornado Alley has shifted further east and encompasses a number of other states in the danger zone including the Gulf South region. These “Dixie Alley” tornados are more dangerous because they occur in greater populated areas and tend to be more costly in property damage. Precast can act as a solution to this problem by helping schools in these danger prone areas develop wind resistant facilities that can withstand tornados. Precast has been impact tested and proven to provide resistance to flying debris associated with tornados.
Twisters occur around the world, but the United States is a major hotspot, with about a thousand tornadoes every year. Research has shown that Dixie Alley is now a more frequent destination of these violent storms. Photo: Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Source: The Weather Channel
Hurricanes
Hurricanes tend to be more complex than tornadoes and therefore require specific design specifications to withstand the variety of forces they can produce. Hurricanes produce not only high winds, and occasionally tornados, but also high impact waves and tremendous amounts of rain and surge. Structures have to be built to withstand these events and protect the people inside. The Gulf South region has dealt with several major hurricanes over the last decade.
Several school facilities within the region, such as St. Vincent’s in Long Beach, MS, decided to adopt a precast solution after losing their facilities to hurricanes.
Precast provides protection from high winds, storm surge, and scour. In the aftermath of a hurricane, precast also prevents mold from developing on its surface and fire resistance making it easier to rebuild quicker and cheaper once the storm has passed.
The Robert J Curry Public Safety Center in Gulfport, MS replaced the original Gulfport Police Station destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The new facility has an architectural precast exterior wall system that meets FEMA 361 design and construction guidelines and can withstand 200 MPH winds.
After being destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, St. Thomas and St. Paul Elementary Schools decided to merge and rebuild using a total precast system solution. Precast was chosen because of its resiliency.
Unfortunately, extreme weather has become the new normal is many areas of the country. Schools are turning to building materials that provide the durability and resiliency necessary to protect students and the community. Precast building materials protect during the storm and expedite recovery after the storm by creating structures that survive intact.