Hardened Structures – Storm Shelters, Bunkers and More

For hardened structure construction projects, standard methods are not enough. These facilities are built to withstand a wide range of potential hazards and must be planned and executed with confidentiality. You need a team of engineers who fully understand the specialized needs of hardened structures. McClure can assist with the design, engineering and implementation of many different hardened structures, using every tool available to ensure project success.

What Are Hardened Structures?

Fortified homes. Storm shelters. Underground survival bunkers. The term hardened structure encompasses a variety of residential and commercial buildings, and can even include certain military facilities. While specific elements may vary depending on a hardened structure’s purpose, certain aspects are universal.

First, hardened structures are more resistant to damage and deterioration. Many hardened structures use the surrounding environment for protection and are often partially, if not entirely, underground. Materials are reinforced, especially around entryways, ventilation and load-bearing architecture. If intended to withstand explosions and military ordinance, engineers should also prioritize resistance to blast and progressive collapse.

Hardened structures should also be self-sufficient, with dedicated power sources and ample storage for supplies. Water and air filtration systems are frequently installed as well, especially if the structure is designed for long-term use by large groups of people. Structural evaluations and specialists in risk assessment can help determine the exact requirements of your hardened structure.

Finally, hardened structures must maintain a high degree of security. Planning and design stages are confidential, preventing sensitive information from being leaked. Many facilities also implement secure lines of communication to maintain contact with anyone outside.

Storm Shelters

A storm shelter storm cellar is one of the most common hardened structures. These buildings are primarily for severe weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. While typically located near homes for immediate access, storm shelters can be placed anywhere with adequate protection.

There Are Different Types of Storm Shelters

 

Stationary Storm Shelters

A stationary storm shelter is an above-ground shelter capable of protecting occupants from severe weather events. Some designs feature modular panels that make expanding or modifying the shelter easier to accomplish. These structures are usually built with high-grade steel anchored to reinforced concrete slabs. Steel storm shelters can also be bulletproof, with thicker walls for higher caliber rounds.

Underground Storm Shelters

An underground storm shelter offers a higher degree of protection but must hold up against the weight of the surrounding rock and soil. This is typically accomplished by surrounding the shelter with concrete. Underground concrete storm shelters feature durable ventilation to maintain a steady supply of air.

Integrated Storm Shelters

For public structures, it is often necessary to provide an integrated storm shelter for the occupants. Essential facilities which must remain functional during and after storms, such as police stations, often require storm shelters to be part of the building design. In this case, it is common to designate and design a portion of the building as the shelter rather than the whole building. In an extreme event, the storm shelter is designed to withstand not only the forces from the storm, but also any loading associated with the potential collapse of the non-hardened portion of the building.

HARDENED STRUCTURES – STORM SHELTERS, BUNKERS, AND MORE.

For hardened structure construction projects, standard methods are not enough. These facilities are built to withstand a wide range of potential hazards and must be planned and executed with confidentiality. You need a team of engineers who fully understand the specialized needs of hardened structures. McClure can assist with the design, engineering, and construction of many different hardened structures, and will use every tool available to ensure project success.

What are hardened structures?

Fortified homes. Storm shelters. Underground survival bunkers. The term hardened structure encompasses a variety of residential and commercial buildings, and can even include certain military facilities. While specific elements may vary depending on a hardened structure’s purpose, certain aspects are universal.

First, hardened structures are more resistant to damage and deterioration. Many hardened structures use the surrounding environment for protection and are often partially, if not entirely, underground. Materials are reinforced, especially around entryways, ventilation, and load-bearing architecture. If intended to withstand explosions and military ordinance, engineers should also prioritize resistance to blast and progressive collapse.

Hardened structures should also be self-sufficient, with dedicated power sources and ample storage for supplies. Water and air filtration systems are frequently installed as well, especially if the structure is designed for long-term use by large groups of people. Structural evaluations and specialists in risk assessment can help determine the exact requirements of your hardened structure.

Finally, hardened structures must maintain a high degree of security. Planning and design stages are confidential, preventing sensitive information from being leaked. Many facilities also implement secure lines of communication to maintain contact with anyone outside.

Storm Shelters

A storm shelter storm cellar is one of the most common hardened structures. These buildings are primarily for severe weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. While typically located near homes for immediate access, storm shelters can be placed anywhere with adequate protection.

There are different types of storm shelters.

Stationary Storm Shelters

A stationary storm shelter is an above-ground shelter capable of protecting occupants from severe weather events. Some designs feature modular panels that make expanding or modifying the shelter easier to accomplish. These structures are usually built with high-grade steel anchored to reinforced concrete slabs. Steel storm shelters can also be bulletproof, with thicker walls for higher caliber rounds.

Underground Storm Shelters

An underground storm shelter offers a higher degree of protection but must hold up against the weight of the surrounding rock and soil. This is typically accomplished by surrounding the shelter with concrete. Underground concrete storm shelters feature durable ventilation to maintain a steady supply of air.

Integrated Storm Shelters

For public structures, it is often necessary to provide an integrated storm shelter for the occupants. Essential facilities which must remain functional during and after storms, such as police stations, often require storm shelters to be part of the building design. In this case, it is common to designate and design a portion of the building as the shelter rather than the whole building. In an extreme event, the storm shelter is designed to withstand not only the forces from the storm but also any loading associated with the potential collapse of the non-hardened portion of the building.

Where We Make An Impact

McClure can ensure your hardened structure stands up to the worst case scenario.

WHERE WE MAKE AN IMPACT

McClure can ensure your hardened structure stands up to the worst case scenario.