Insulating Concrete Forms

Concrete Homes Built-in Safety

Debris driven by high winds presents the greatest hazard to homeowners and their homes during tornadoes and hurricanes. 

Laboratory testing at the Wind Engineering Research Center, Texas Tech University, compared the impact resistance of residential concrete wall construction to conventionally  framed walls.

The frame walls failed to stop the penetration of airborne hazards.  The concrete walls successfully demonstrated the strength and mass to resist the impact of wind driven debris.

What was tested?

Various wall specimens were subjected to the impact of a 2 x 4 wood stud traveling at up to 100 miles per hour.

This is equivalent to the weight and speed of debris generated  during a tornado with 250 miles per hour winds. This testing covers the maximum wind speed generated in 99 per cent of the tornadoes occurring in the United States.

Wind speeds are less than 150 miles per hour in 90 per cent of tornadoes. Ten wall specimens were constructed,  each representative  of the type of construction  now used to build frame homes and concrete homes in the U.S.

The Wind Engineering Research Center’s compressed air cannon was used to propel a 2 x 4 wood stud debris “missile” at the test walls. The stud was propelled along its axis with the leading end hitting the specimen. Electronic timing devices measured the speed of the debris as it traveled from the cannon to the test walls located 16’-6” away.

How did the frame walls perform?

The frame walls lacked the weight and mass to resist the impact of the wind driven debris. In each case, the debris traveled completely through the wall assembly with little or no damage to the “missile.”

How did the concrete walls perform?

The concrete stopped the debris from traveling through the wall. Exterior finishes were damaged by the impact, but the concrete walls were unscathed. Even the narrowest, 2” thick section of “waffle grid” ICF wall was undamaged  by the direct impact of the debris at over 100 mph.

What about damage from hurricanes?

Hurricane  wind velocities will be less than the equivalent maximum speeds modeled in the tests. Missile testing designed to mitigate property damage losses from hurricanes use a criterion of a 9-pound missile traveling about 34 miles per hour.

The strength and durability of concrete walls offer unmatched  resistance to the devastation of major storms. Concrete homes are less likely to suffer major damage from debris than conventionally framed houses. This greater measure of built-in safety makes cement-based ICF construction systems the quality choice for your new home.