Blast Resistant Louvers

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Author Message G. Sanchis (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 - 07:23 pm:    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. Mark Gilligan SE, Senior Member Username: mark_gilligan Post Number: 511 Registered: 10-2007 Posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 - 09:13 pm:    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. J. Peter Jordan Senior Member Username: jpjordan Post Number: 510 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2012 - 10:45 am:    Are you sure it is "psf" and not "psi"> ken hercenberg Senior Member Username: khercenberg Post Number: 350 Registered: 12-2006 Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2012 - 11:14 am:    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. ken hercenberg Senior Member Username: khercenberg Post Number: 351 Registered: 12-2006 Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2012 - 02:14 pm:    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 Wayne Yancey Senior Member Username: wayne_yancey Post Number: 547 Registered: 01-2008 Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2012 - 02:38 pm:    Happens to me all the time!!! G. Sanchis (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2012 - 05:25 pm:    Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa! Regarding the blast resistant louvers, it was late and I didn’t 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. Lynn Javoroski FCSI CCS LEED® AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 1574 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2012 - 05:37 pm:    That's what you get for keeping those blasted late hours (grin) Alan Mays, AIA Senior Member Username: amays Post Number: 109 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2012 - 05:37 pm:    Ken, you have a brain? I couldn't resist and let this opportunity pass and not throw in a dig. Mark Gilligan SE, Senior Member Username: mark_gilligan Post Number: 512 Registered: 10-2007 Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2012 - 07:45 pm:    There can be a significant difference between 8 psi steady state and a 8 psi impulse. ken hercenberg Senior Member Username: khercenberg Post Number: 352 Registered: 12-2006 Posted on Friday, October 26, 2012 - 09:59 am:    "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. John Regener, AIA, CCS, CCCA, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: john_regener Post Number: 587 Registered: 04-2002 Posted on Friday, October 26, 2012 - 01:01 pm:    Or, as W.C. Fields said, "I'd rather have a bottle in from of me than a frontal lobatomy." ken hercenberg Senior Member Username: khercenberg Post Number: 353 Registered: 12-2006 Posted on Friday, October 26, 2012 - 01:35 pm:    I thought that was Tom Waits, or maybe Dorothy Parker. Either way, I'll drink to that. Ronson Brock (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Saturday, October 27, 2012 - 02:44 pm:    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