quality control in the storm shelter industry presented to: region vi grant managers meeting denton,...
TRANSCRIPT
Quality Control in the Storm Shelter Industry
Presented to: REGION VI GRANT MANAGERS MEETING
Denton, TexasMay 17, 2007
Presented by:
Ernst W. Kiesling, P.E., Ph.D.
Executive Director, NSSA
Experiencing Extreme Winds
• Severe Weather Watches and Warnings
Lead to Anxiety
• Each year, over three billion person-hours are spent under severe weather watches
REPORTED TORNADOES PER YEAR
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1950
1954
1958
1962
1966
1970
1974
1978
1982
1986
1990
1994
Tornadoes
Genesis of Wind Engineering Research
• Began with Lubbock Tornado in 1970
• 26 killed
• 1/3 of city damaged
• Studied effects of 140 major storms since 1970
Observations, Conclusions
Small interior room often remains standing even when house is
completely destroyed
• Design room or module to protect: – occupants– critical functions– critical contents
• Improve building envelope
to reduce damage to
building and contents
In-Residence Shelter Concept1974
Shelter Benefits
• Shelters can be constructed to:– Save Lives
– Reduce anxiety and suffering
– Produce economic benefits
Recent Developments in Utilization
• 1997, Jarrell, Texas tornado
• Dateline NBC program; Other media coverage
• 1998, FEMA publication #320
Recent Developments in Utilization
1999
• Above-ground shelter survived F-5 in Oklahoma
• FEMA provided shelter incentives under HMGP
Bartlett Shelter, Oklahoma
Oklahoma Grant Program, 1999
• Incentive program in Oklahoma served as catalyst for higher level of activity in shelter construction.
• Lack of standards and quality control processes in this new, rapidly emerging industry illuminated many quality issues.
Recent Developments in Utilization
• Manufacturers created new products and expanded markets
• Founded the National Storm Shelter Association
An Industry Association is Born!
Membership grades:
member, associate, professional, allied
Functions
Standards - NSSA Industry Standard - ICC/NSSA Standard by 2007
Education
Monitor Research
Quality Verification
NSSA Standard
For Design & Construction of Storm Shelters
Description of NSSA
• NSSA in a not-for-profit trade association
• Chartered in Texas as an IRS 501(c) 6
• Self-policing for the benefit of the public and a strong, credible industry
Membership Grades
MEMBER – Shelter Producers
Professional – Designers, Inspectors
Associate – Suppliers
Corporate Sponsor
Individual Sponsor
Shelter Quality Verification Process
1. MEMBER pledge to produce only those shelters that meet or exceed the Standard
2. Abide by NSSA Bylaws and Code of Ethics3. Obtain third-party approval of design or variations from
FEMA 3204. Test shelter or FEMA 320 variations for debris impact
resistance. Use tested door (www.wind.ttu.edu) .5. Affix Seal and file Certificate of Installation with NSSA
for each shelter installed
Shelter Quality Verification Process
1. MEMBER Pledge to produce only those shelters that meet or exceed the Standard
2. Abide by NSSA Bylaws and Code of Ethics
3. Build from FEMA 320 except for door; Obtain third-party compliance check for variations
4. Alternative: Install manufactured shelter from NSSA MEMER
5. Affix Seal and file Certificate of Installation with NSSA for each shelter installed
Home Builders
Important Considerations In Shelter Construction -- Doors
• Lighter doors must be modified with a supplemental steel plate
Important Considerations In Door Selection
• At least one door meeting FEMA 320 specifications has failed to meet the debris impact test.
Important• Use tested door (www.wind.ttu.edu) or have
your door tested.
Important Considerations In Storm Shelter Quality
There are many elements of quality to lead to good performance. Major considerations are:
• Structural integrity to withstand external forces– Wind-induced pressures for all shelters– Hydrostatic pressures for underground shelters– Anchorage for above-ground shelters– Anchorage or ballast for underground shelters
• Debris impact resistance for all exposed surfaces• Includes doors for all shelters
• Access and egress• Ventilation See brochures for specifics
Shelter Quality Verification Process
1. MEMBER Pledge to produce only those shelters that meet or exceed the Standard
2. Abide by NSSA Bylaws and Code of Ethics
3. Obtain third-party compliance check of design
4. Test shelter for debris impact resistance
5. Affix Seal and file Certificate of Installation with NSSA for each shelter installed
Manufacturers/Fabricators
Shelter Quality Verification Process
1. Shelter design drawings and specifications stating shelter type and design wind speed are deemed to comply with ICC/NSSA Standard by NSSA-Approved Professional Member. NSSA-member contractor affixes seal certifying construction as per drawings and specifications and specifying shelter type and design wind speed.
2. Designs and specifications are developed by NSSA – approved third party architecture/engineering company. Designer affixes professional seal on drawings and specifications. Contractor affixes seal certifying construction as per drawings and specifications and specifying shelter type and design wind speed.
Community Shelters
Benefits of NSSA Membership
- Industry standard delineating quality- Increased credibility, distinction - Standards compliance verification by independent third-
party engineering company - Decreased liability - Peace of mind, knowing you have “done it right”
- Professional listings - “Head start” on inspections
- Qualification for grants
Shelter Producer
Benefits of NSSA Membership
- Guidance to quality-verified products and producers- Checklists of important elements of shelter quality
- Guidance on shelter selection, location- Industry standard that establishes quality criteria
- Increased value with NSSA seal
Consumer
Benefits of NSSA Membership
- Higher comfort level in approving shelters and components
- Storm shelter quality standard
- Quality essentials checklist
- Advice/consulting with experienced professionals
Building Official
Benefits of NSSA Membership
- Industry standard based on FEMA and ASCE publications- Quality criteria defined by Standard, translated by experts
- Quality verification through established processes- Industry leaders available for guidance on mitigation
policies and strategies
Policy/Program Administrator
National Consensus Standard
• An agreement has been signed with the International Code Council to develop a ICC/NSSA National Consensus Standard For Storm Shelters.
• Will be accredited by ANSI and offered to building code jurisdictions.
• Expected January 2008.
Opportunities for NSSA
• Encourage replication of Texas HMGP shelter program in other states
• Encourage widespread utilization of the NSSA storm shelter quality verification process
• Promote NSSA process for quality verification in other segments of the building industry
Other Opportunities for NSSA
• Increase role in quality control of community shelters– Serve as focal point for professional shelter design
community
• Increase information outreach– Formalize/staff information resource center– Increase publications, public service announcements– Develop and maintain attractive, informative web site
Challenges for NSSA
• Develop sustained source of funding to develop opportunities & maintain programs
• Find ways to respond to public service opportunities resulting from extensive visibility and credibility
• Find avenues for greater influence on shelter quality, public policy
Information Sources - TTU
• Texas Tech UniversityWind Engineering Research Center
www.wind.ttu.edu
(TTU) WIND CTR
(888) 946 - 3287
Information Sources
National Storm Shelter Association
www. NSSA.cc 1 (877) 700 - 6772 (NSSA)
For Testing
(806) 742 - 6772 (NSSA)