We’re looking for one or more manufacturers that make blast resistant (minimum 8 psf) louvers. We found C/S but need additional sources.
Can someone direct our faltering footsteps. I was thinking that those of you who specify buildings in hurricane alley might know.
Considering that normal wind loads can easily excees 8 psf it is not clear what is the problem. Is there something specisl afout this 8 psf.
Suggest that you talk to the mechanical enginer on the project.
Are you sure it is “psf” and not “psi”>
Historically, C/S has been the source for blast-resistant louvers and blast panels (used to be called Explo-Vent). My guess is that folks like Airolite and Ruswin can custom make them, but you’ll need to contact them to find out for sure since the cost of testing will need to be factored in.
BTW, this is sample language of how to specify the product: “Louver is designed to withstand up to an 8 psi blast pressure at an impulse of 59 psi-msec.” Of course you’ll need to modify this to suit your project specific requirements.
Sorry, that should have been Ruskin. Typing faster than my brain can function and not proofreading; not a good combination.
Check out http://www.ruskin.com/doc/5094
Happens to me all the time!!!
Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa! Regarding the blast resistant louvers, it was late and I didnt check my numbers which are: peak pressure of 4 psi, an impulse of 28 psi-msec originally (that has been upgraded to 8 psi and not psf).
Thanks to all.
That’s what you get for keeping those blasted late hours (grin)
Ken, you have a brain? I couldn’t resist and let this opportunity pass and not throw in a dig.
There can be a significant difference between 8 psi steady state and a 8 psi impulse.
“There can be a significant difference between 8 psi steady state and a 8 psi impulse…” or 28 psi-msec. Gerard, what is interesting is that louver design needs to address the every day needs (which we hope will be the only real concern) vs. the momentary impulse and negative forces resulting from blast. Please keep in mind that the louver design is incidental to the fact that your wall and opening framing have to be designed to the same criteria. From what I’ve been told, the negative forces after the blast can be as devestating as the blast itself, especially if the intent is for the building component to remain in place after the event.
Alan, I don’t mean to brag, but ever since my lobotomy I’ve been pretending to think a lot more. No more strange voices in my head distracting me.
Or, as W.C. Fields said,
“I’d rather have a bottle in from of me than a frontal lobatomy.”
I thought that was Tom Waits, or maybe Dorothy Parker. Either way, I’ll drink to that.
There are a few other well known, high quality manufacturers of louvers including Fabrication Designs, http://www.fabricationdesigns.com, APSG, http://www.americanpsg.com and Norshield http://www.norshield.net.
The list is actually longer, but these are companies with whom we’ve had experience. Lead times are usually a challenge and make sure that you have a good understanding of the installation requirements which can be surprising if you’ve had no experience with them.
If your needs are overseas, shout back and Ill give you a list of some of those vendors. Their quality is excellent, they’re a big pricey though