Deanna Harms
Greteman Group
Senior Vice President
316.263.1004, ext. 111
dharms@gretemanggroup.com
Sheldon Warman. P. Eng.
ECO-Block, LLC
Technical Director
s.warman@eco-block.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Government's anti-terrorism initiative tries to shoot a hole through
ICFs and ends up showcasing the benefits of using this commercial off-the-shelf
solution
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. - Just as the government's space explorations
have led to such unexpected products as Velcro, its current war against
terrorism also promises to reap some surprising consumer benefits. Those
include demonstrating the safety benefits of building with insulating
concrete form (ICF) technology.
Quantico Marine Corps Base - which has been at the frontline of innovation
since its inception in 1917, from developing amphibious warfare techniques
to leading technological advances - is once again at the forefront of
change. From May 6-8, the base was the site of blast demonstrations
designed to show how ICF building systems hold up during an explosive
event.
Using 50 pounds of military-grade TNT, the Insulating Concrete Form
Association (ICFA) tested six different ICF 'reaction boxes' at distances
of six feet up to 40 feet. These reaction boxes were built using standard
4,000 psi concrete. They consisted of three 8' by 8' reinforced 6"
concrete core walls placed in a U-shape with 6" reinforced concrete
slabs on the top and bottom acting as the floor and the roof, while
maintaining one open side.
The compressive strength properties of the expanded polystyrene (EPS)
on the face of each box both absorbed and distributed the load during
each explosion. Even the closest blast - which produced a fireball 200
feet wide and 100 feet high and lateral forces 10 times the box's weight
of 26,000 pounds - resulted in nothing more serious than some small
cracks on the face of the wall (cracks less than 2 millimeters wide)
and some singeing of the EPS. There was no structural damage, no deflection
and no concrete spall observed. Additional tests are planned for the
future.
ECO-Block was one of six ICF systems tested. Technical Director Sheldon
Warman, P.Eng. constructed the ECO-Block reaction box. "We've long
known that our system provides superior insulating properties as well
as protection against severe weather," said Warman. "Seeing
them withstand a direct blast only feet away highlights yet another
benefit of using ECO-Block ICFs, not only to commercial and residential
builders, but to governments seeking to protect their military and civilians
in this new, unprecedented era we are experiencing."
The testing is part of a program developed as a response to the chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's directive following the 1996 bombing
of Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia. Force Protection Equipment Demonstration
IV - entitled Homeland Security: Protecting America's Future - focused
on commercial, off-the-shelf products that could be used to protect
troops and resources. Sponsors included the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Department
of Defense, Department of Energy, National Institute of Justice, and
the Transportation Security Administration. Leaders and decision-makers
from numerous federal departments and agencies and select state and
local law enforcement and corrections agencies came to observe. In addition
to the blast-resistant building material testing, FPED provided a showcase
for 490 vendors with more than 1,000 products. The event drew approximately
9,000 attendees to the base, located outside of Washington, D.C.
"These demonstrations proved that you don't have to spend unlimited
amounts of money on special materials to create blast-resistant buildings,"
said Joseph Lyman, executive director, Insulating Concrete Form Association.
"With proper design and installations, ICF technology can mitigate
the harmful results associated with progressive collapse."
ECO-Block LLC is one of the world's most innovative and experienced
providers of insulating concrete form (ICF) technology. The Florida-based
company manufactures and supplies the most versatile and technologically
advanced ICF systems available for both commercial and residential construction.
ECO-Block offers a cost-effective building solution that cuts energy
costs, which can result in monthly savings of up to 50% for building
owners. Use of ECO-Block's ICF technology creates super-insulated, monolithic
concrete walls that save energy, keep noise out and improve air quality.
Greater fire, wind and weather resistance also help make ECO-Block buildings
more durable and secure than those using conventional construction methods.
The use of renewable resources in ECO-Block ICF systems reduces reliance
on wood products, helping protect our threatened forests. ICF technology
is rapidly integrating into mainstream commercial and residential construction.
In 1998, 20,000 new homes benefited from ICFs. Industry projections
for 2003 estimate that approximately 100,000 homes will take advantage
of ICF technology.