ICC 500-2013 STANDARD DEVELOPMENT
BALLOT AND PUBLIC COMMENTS AGENDA
FOR COMMITTEE MEETING #5
SEPTEMBER 2013
BALLOT COMMENTS FROM BALLOT OF CAR ON
PROPOSALS SUBMITTED ON ICC 500-2008 – PUBLIC
COMMENTS ON THE FIRST PUBLIC COMMENTS
DRAFT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ICC 500-2013
ICC 500-2013 Development – Ballot and public
comments agenda – August 2013
Page 1
IS-STM1-11/12
Section 101.2
Proponent: Gary J. Ehrlich, P.E. NAHB
Revise as follows:
101.2 Scope. This standard applies to the design, construction, installation, and
inspection of storm shelters constructed as separate detached buildings or constructed
as safe rooms within buildings for the purpose of providing safe refuge from storms that
produce extreme high winds, such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Shelters designed and
constructed to this standard shall be designated as either to be hurricane shelters,
tornado shelters, or combined hurricane and tornado shelters.
Reason: The purpose of this proposal is to provide editorial revisions to the scope. The one notable
change is to specify “extreme high winds”, lest a user decide that a safe room or storm shelter is needed
for protection against a garden-variety thunderstorm or because they live on a hill, ridge or escarpment
subject to “high winds” from topographic effects.
Committee Action:
Accept in principle
Modified Motion:
101.2 Scope. This standard applies to the design, construction, installation, and inspection of storm shelters constructed as
separate detached buildings or constructed as safe rooms within buildings for the purpose of providing safe refuge from storms that
produce extreme high winds, such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Shelters designed and constructed to this standard shall be
designated as either to be hurricane shelters, tornado shelters, or combined hurricane and tornado shelters.
IS-STM1-1 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Robert M. Krchak, Architect representing self
Revise as follows:
101.2 Scope. This standard applies to the design, construction, installation, and
inspection of storm shelters constructed as separate detached buildings or constructed
as safe rooms within buildings for protection the purpose of providing safe refuge from
storms that produce high winds, such as high winds associated with tornadoes and
hurricanes. Storm shelters may be separate detached buildings or rooms and areas
within buildings. Shelters designed and constructed to this standard shall be
designated as either to be hurricane shelters, tornado shelters, or combined hurricane
and tornado shelters. Designation shall be by signage in accordance with Section 108.1
for residential shelters or Sections 108.1 and 504 for Community Shelters.
Reason: The purpose of the modifications is to provide editorial revisions, to make 101.1 and 101.2
consistent in wording, remove undefined terms and clarify that 101.2 provides the scope of the standard.
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1. The terms “detached building” and “rooms within buildings” are modified and made a standalone
second sentence. The sentence is separated from the first sentence to allow the first sentence to more
clearly provide consistency between 101.1 and 101.2. As a separate sentence, the Standard’s allowance
for configuration of a storm shelter to be designated as either a detached building or structure or one or
more rooms or areas within a building is more clearly stated.
2. The terms “safe rooms” and “safe refuge” have been deleted. These terms are not defined within the
Standard or the building code, are not used within the definition of Storm Shelter in Chapter 202, and
appear more as commentary rather than as specific description of condition or construction. These terms
can add confusion to the meaning of storm shelter, ie. “What is the difference between a storm shelter, as
safe room, and an area of safe refuge?” This deletion is also consistent with the title of the Standard
which only uses the term “storm shelter”.
3. The reference to “high winds” has been added back and “such as” has been deleted to make the
wording of 101.1, “…protection from high winds associated with tornados and hurricanes” and 101.2
consistent in wording. Also, “such as” appears to be commentary or equivocal and not definitive which
can result in confusion of intent and meaning.
4. The term “purpose” has been deleted. 101.1 states “The purpose of this standard is to establish
minimum requirements to safe guard the public health, safety and general welfare relative to design,
construction and installation of storm shelters constructed for protection from high winds
associated with tornadoes and hurricanes.” (emphasis added). 101.1, as its title indicates, states the
“purpose” of the Standard. As written, 101.2 describes the purpose somewhat differently as “…the
purpose of providing safe refuge from storms that produce high winds, such as …”. By the title
of 101.2, “Scope”, the intent of 101.2 to provide direction as to the extent of the Standard’s application
and not to redefine or restate the purpose of the Standard.
5. A final sentence has been added to identify the method by which a storm shelter is designated.
IS-STM8-11/12
Section 106.1.1.1
Proponent: Andrew Herseth and Tom Reynolds representing Department of Homeland
Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency and URS Corporation representing
FEMA
Add new text as follows:
106.1.1.1 Peer review for essential facilities. Construction documents for shelters in
Risk Category IV (essential facilities) as defined in Table 1604.5 in the International
Building Code as well as elementary schools, secondary schools and day care facilities
shall undergo a peer review by an independent registered design professional for
compliance with the requirements of Chapter 3.
IS-STM8-1 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Robert M. Krchak, Architect representing self
Further Modify Text as Follows:
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106.1.1.1 Peer review for essential facilities. Construction documents for shelters in
Risk Category IV (essential facilities) as defined in Table 1604.5 in the International
Building Code as well as elementary schools, secondary schools and day care facilities
shall undergo a peer review by an independent registered design professional for
compliance with the requirements of Chapter 3, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, and Chapter 7.
Purpose: To make 106.1.1.1 consistent with Proposal No. IS-STM5-11/12. To bring the Standard closer
in line with FEMA 361.
Reason: Currently peer review (106.1.1) only includes the structural design criteria found in Chapter 3.
The criteria found in Chapters 5, 6 and 7 are equally important to provide the desired level of protection
particularly for the facilities listed in the proposed addition. FEMA’s publication 361, 2nd edition, requires
peer reviews of the structural and non-structural components of a shelter. The addition of these chapters
to 106.1.1.1 would help to bring the ICC 500 closer in line with FEMA 361.
IS-STM10-11/12
Section 106.3
Revise as follows:
106.3 Special cases. Special inspections shall be provided for proposed work
comprised of:
1. Construction materials and systems that are alternatives to traditional materials
and systems prescribed by the applicable code.
2. Unusual design and construction applications.
3. Anchors post-installed in hardened concrete for shelter anchorage in accordance
with Section 106.3.1.
106.3.1 Special Inspections to Verify Anchor Installation. Special Inspection to
verify the anchor installation, capacity and foundation adequacy according to the
anchor manufacturer and shelter anchorage and foundation requirements provided
in the shelter design information required in Section 107.2.1, quality assurance plans
required in Section 107.3.2, and foundation and anchorage criteria required in
Section 309.
Section 202
Add new definitions as follows:
SPECIAL INSPECTION. Inspection of construction requiring the expertise of an
approved special inspector in order to ensure compliance with this standard and the
approved construction documents.
SPECIAL INSPECTOR. A qualified person employed or retained by an approved
agency and approved by the building official as having the competence necessary to
inspect a particular type of construction requiring special inspection.
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IS-STM10-1 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Tom Bennett, National Storm Shelter Association, Michael L. Vaughn,
National Storm Shelter Association, Oscar Scott, National Storm Shelter Association,
Further modify as follows:
106.3.1 Special Inspections to Verify Anchor Installation. Special Inspection to
verify the anchor installation, capacity and foundation adequacy according to the
anchor manufacturer and shelter anchorage and foundation requirements provided
in the shelter design information required in Section 107.2.1, quality assurance plans
required in Section 107.3.2, and foundation and anchorage criteria required in
Section 309. As an alternative to this special inspection, the AHJ (Authority having
jurisdiction) may accept a process from a qualified producer, design professional
and third party reviewer which can assure proper installation.
Reason: Section 106.3.1 of ICC/NSSA Standard for Design and Construction of Storm Shelters
(ICC500-2013 Edition) as proposed would add costly inspection. The National Storm Shelter Association
has established a “Safe room Qualified status” which requires a design engineer of record to design the
shelter/safe room, work with the safe room manufacturer to develop a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) and
very comprehensive installation checklist which would include all scenarios to ensure a quality
installation. The shelter/safe room design, QAP and installation checklist are then to be submitted to an
independent third party reviewer. The third party reviewer must have submitted their qualifications and
experience to the NSSA for approval. The third party reviewer is not to be part of the same firm as the
design engineer of record.
NSSA is confident in the producer/installation members that use the QAP to train their staff in the
checklist.
Many safe rooms are installed in the heart of tornado alley in remote areas miles from major cities bases.
Special inspection will be costly and may force some to go without qualified shelter to meet this
requirement. Not to mention the added cost would likely be hundreds if not one thousand plus dollars for
an inspection to something they likely were not present to inspect.
(Supporting document below.)
IS-STM10-2 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Dr. Ernst Kiesling, National Storm Shelter Association
Revise as follows:
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Further modify as follows:
106.3.1 Special Inspections to Verify Anchor Installation. Special Inspection to
verify the anchor installation, capacity and foundation adequacy according to the anchor
manufacturer and shelter anchorage and foundation requirements provided in the
shelter design information required in Section 107.2.1, quality assurance plans required
in Section 107.3.2, and foundation and anchorage criteria required in Section 309. As
an alternative to special inspections, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) may accept
an established process wherein the producer presents drawings and specifications
sealed by a design professional and a Quality Assurance Plan that includes a detailed
checklist of the installation process, all of which are approved by an independent thirdparty professional who is thoroughly versed in applicable standards and guidelines and
has been approved by a nationally recognized agency. The producer or his designate
shall sign a completed installation checklist and storm shelter completion document.
Reason: The producer is best positioned to ascertain the quality of an installation, having witnessed
steps in the installation rather than inspecting just the completed installation. The producer is invested in
the quality control process rather than simply ‘passing’ an inspection.
IS-STM10-3 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Robert M. Krchak, Architect representing self
Revise as follows:
106.3 Special cases. Special inspections shall be provided in accordance with Chapter
17 of the IBC and for proposed work comprised of:
1. Construction materials and systems that are alternatives to traditional materials and
systems prescribed by the applicable code.
2. Unusual design and construction applications.
3. Anchors post-installed in hardened concrete for shelter anchorage in accordance with
Section 106.3.1.
4. Anchors post-installed in clay and concrete masonry units in accordance with Section
106.3.1.
5. Installation of pre-fabricated or panelized storm shelter components and assemblies,
including opening protective devices, not requiring special inspection during fabrication
in accordance with 106.2.1 Exception.
Section 202
SPECIAL INSPECTION. Inspection of construction requiring the expertise of an
approved special inspector in order to ensure compliance with this standard and the
approved construction documents.
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SPECIAL INSPECTOR. A qualified person employed or retained by an approved
agency and approved by the building official as having the competence necessary to
inspect a particular type of construction requiring special inspection.
Add new Definition as follows:
BUILDING OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority charged with the
administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative.
Reason: Modify first sentence: The additional requirements for special inspection as generally required
by Chapter 17 of IBC may be considered as not applicable to shelters if not specifically identified.
Delete “for shelter anchorage”: This Standard address only shelter construction. Restating “shelter
anchorage” seems redundant. If the intent of the term was “anchorage of shelter structural elements” then
the deletion of the term remains appropriate as by not stating a the specific component the statement
covers both anchorage of structural elements and all other elements that are critical to the
shelter function such as doors, windows, opening protectives. Experience has shown that proper
installation of post installed anchors, for these latter items, is often times lacking.
Add item #3: Post installed anchors are used in clay and concrete masonry units as often as in concrete.
The proper installation of post installed anchors in these materials seems to be more difficult for
contractors than installation in concrete and therefore the need for verification is more critical.
Add Item #4: Because of the Exception in 106.2.1 pre-fabricated components and assemblies may have
fabrication oversight but if not installed properly their function may be compromised. Therefore, adding
the special inspection during the installation process adds some verification of proper installation.
Experience has shown that without this special inspection proper installation is oftentimes lacking.
Reason for adding New Definition: The definitions for Special Inspection and Special Inspector are taken
from the 2012 IBC and use the term “Building Official”. As the term building official has special meaning in
the IBC and carries a definition if Chapter 2 of the IBC the same definition should be added to the ICC
500. Also, the terms that have definitions in Chapter 2 of the Standard have been changed to italic. This
is consistent with the method used in the IBC for indicating, within the text of the code and within
definitions, that the word or words in italic are provided with a specific definition in Chapter 2. It is
recommended that this method of identification be used throughout the Standard.
IS-STM10-4 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Dirk DeRose, The Safedome Company,
Revise as follows:
106.3 Special cases. Special inspections shall be provided for proposed work
comprised of:
1. Construction materials and systems that are alternatives to traditional materials
and systems prescribed by the applicable code.
2. Unusual design and construction applications.
3. Anchors post-installed in hardened concrete for shelter anchorage in accordance
with Section 106.3.1.
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106.3.1 Special Inspections to Verify Anchor Installation. Special Inspection to
verify the anchor installation, capacity and foundation adequacy according to the
anchor manufacturer and shelter anchorage and foundation requirements provided
in the shelter design information required in Section 107.2.1, quality assurance plans
required in Section 107.3.2, and foundation and anchorage criteria required in
Section 309.
Reason: The proposed text would impose extremely impractical, expensive and redundant inspections
and, as a consequence, protect fewer citizens as fewer families attain to the cost of a safe room. Even if
public monies are supplied, the costs cannot be justified when NSSA has developed layers of
verifications that serve to assure Producer compliance with ICC Standards and FEMA guidelines.
IS-STM10-5 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Randall Shackleford, Simpson Strong-Tie, representing National Storm
Shelter Association
Revise as follows:
Add the following text to Section 106.3.1:
EXCEPTION: Where the authority having jurisdiction verifies the installation of
anchors in accordance with the above requirements, special inspection is
permitted to be waived by the authority having jurisdiction.
Reason: In some cases, shelters may be installed in locations where special inspectors are not readily
available. The authority having jurisdiction should be able to waive requirements for special inspection
where they are verifying that the anchors are installed properly. Local inspectors are qualified to inspect
installation of anchors. There is so much additional information now required on shelter anchorage that
inspection does not require special skills.
IS-STM11-11/12
Section 107.2.1
Revise as follows:
107.2.1 Design Information. For the areas of a building designed for occupancy as a
storm shelter, the following information shall be provided within the construction
documents:
1. Type of shelter: tornado, hurricane or a combination of both.
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2. A statement that the wind design conforms to the provisions of the ICC/NSSA
Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters, with the edition year
specified.
3. The shelter design wind speed, mph.
4. The importance factor, I.
5. The wind exposure category (indicate all if more than one is used.)
6. The internal pressure coefficient, GCpi
7. The topographic factor Kzt
8 The directionality factor Kd
9. A statement that the shelter has/has not been constructed within an area
susceptible to flooding in accordance with Chapter 4 of this standard.
10. The Design Flood Elevation and Base Flood Elevation for the site (if applicable)
11. Documentation showing that components of the shelter envelope will meet the
pressure and missile impact test requirements identified in Chapters 3 and 8 of
this standard.
12. A floor plan drawing or image indicating location of the storm shelter on a site or
within a building or facility; including drawing or image indicating the entire
facility.
13. A storm shelter section or elevation indicating the height of the storm shelter
relative to the finished grade, finished floor, and the host building, where
applicable.
13 14. The lowest shelter floor elevation and corresponding datum, except for
residential shelters outside of special flood hazard areas.
14 15. The occupant load of the storm shelter.
15 16. The usable storm shelter floor area.
16 17. Venting area (sq.in.) provided and locations in the shelter.
IS-STM11-1 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Robert M. Krchak, Architect representing self
107.2.1 Design Information. For the areas of a building designed for occupancy as a
storm shelter, the following information shall be provided within the construction
documents:
1. Type of shelter: Residential or Community tornado, hurricane or a combination of
both.
2. A statement that the wind design conforms to the provisions of the ICC/NSSA
Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters, with the edition year
specified.
3. The shelter design wind speed, mph.
4. The importance factor, I.
5. The wind exposure category (indicate all if more than one is used.)
6. The internal pressure coefficient, GCpi
7. The topographic factor Kzt
8 The directionality factor Kd
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9. A statement that the shelter has/has not been constructed within an area
susceptible to flooding in accordance with Chapter 4 of this standard.
10. The Design Flood Elevation and Base Flood Elevation for the site (if applicable)
11. Documentation showing that components of the shelter envelope will meet the
pressure and missile impact test requirements identified in Chapters 3 and 8 of
this standard.
Documentation for design pressures shall be in the form of engineering analysis
or test data.
Documentation for missile impact shall be in the form of test reports conducted
by an independent approved testing agency. Engineering analysis or
certifications in lieu of test data shall not be allowed for missile impact
compliance.
12. A floor plan drawing or image indicating location of the storm shelter on a site or
within a building or facility; including drawing or image indicating the entire
facility.
13. A storm shelter section or elevation indicating the height of the storm shelter
relative to the finished grade, finished floor, and the host building, where
applicable.
14. The lowest shelter floor elevation and corresponding datum, except for
residential shelters outside of special flood hazard areas.
15. The occupant load of the storm shelter.
16. The usable storm shelter floor area.
17. Venting area (sq.in.) provided and locations in the shelter.
18. Plumbing fixture or sanitary fixture calculations. Identify fixtures as permanent
water connected or temporary non-water connected type.
Exception: For Item 11 the documentation may be submitted to the
building official as a deferred submittal when pre-fabricated products,
components or assemblies are specified or detailed in the construction
documents by performance requirements, delegated design or nonproprietary methods.
ADD THE FOLLOWING DEFINITION to Section 202 Definitions:
Deferred submittals. Those portions of the design that are not submitted at the time of
the application for permit and that are to be submitted to the building official within a
specified period.
Reason:
Proposed Revision to Item 1: Although in most cases it will be evident that the shelter
will be either residential or community by stating the specific fact, there would be no
question as to which portions of the Standard apply. Also, this addition completes the
list of possible shelter types addressed by the Standard.
Proposed Revision to Item 11:
The intent is to clarify that the verification of component design for wind pressures may
be either by engineering analysis or testing. However, impact design verification shall
only be by testing. Impact loads result in pressures that are not considered in general
engineering practice and design for these pressures should be explicitly identified as
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requiring testing to verify engineering assumptions. The reference to “independent
approved testing agency” and “certifications” is included to preclude tests
being preformed by the manufacturer “in-house” or simply providing a letter stating the
component has been tested and passed. In-house tests and manufacturers’
certifications are not always found to be accurate.
Proposed addition of Item 18:
Plumbing fixture count is identified in the standard as an essential feature of the shelter
(Chapter 7). Plumbing fixture counts are generally required for design review by building
officials. Adding the requirement is consistent with the importance given by Chapter 7,
provides normally required design information required by the building official and
separates fixtures that can be included and those (temporary or portable type) that
cannot be included in the general building fixture count.
Proposed addition of the Exception:
Not all information required by Item 11 is available at the time the documents are
produced and permit application is made (See IS-STM12). Where storm shelters are
procured by the design-build method and funded by public money there are legal
prohibitions to using single source proprietary specifications when more than one
product is available. That is to say the designer is not allowed to specify or detail only
one product for any particular portion of the construction. Generally the requirement is
to provide three separate manufacturers for each product with the final decision on
which product is used being made after the start of construction. It is certainly
prohibitive for the designer to provide all the information required by Item 11 for three
(3) separate products. In some cases, where more than one product is available to
serve the need, the installation detailing and interface with adjacent construction can be
completely different potentially necessitating three sets of details. This is not reasonable
or practical and not consistent with the standards of the design profession.
The proposed additions are intended to address the above concerns. This method of
submitting some design information after permit application is consistent with deferred
submittals in 107.3.4.1 of the IBC.
Proposed addition of definition for Deferred Submittal:
Clarify the meaning of the words “deferred submittal” as used in the proposed Exception
and add consistency with IBC.
Proposed use of italics for terms used in the text of the standard when a
definition for the term is provided in the standard:
This provides assistance to the user of the standard in identifying terms that have
special meaning within the standard. Method is consistent with method used in IBC and
other ICC codes.
IS-STM14-11/12
Revise as follows:
107.2 Information required. The following information applicable to construction and
operation of the storm shelter shall be supplied as part of on the construction
documents.
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107.2.4 Inspections. Where any special details are utilized in the design of the
structure, or where any special investigations are required in addition that are additional
to those required by the applicable building code, the construction documents shall
contain a schedule of the inspections required and the criteria for the special
installation.
107.2.5 Special details. The construction documents shall provide or include any
special manufacturer’s details or installation instructions for systems or equipment
designed for the storm shelter.
107.2.6 Special instructions. The construction documents shall provide or include any
special contain details or of special instructions required for the specified functional
operation of the storm shelter, such as:
107.3 Quality assurance plan. The construction documents for community shelters
shall contain a quality assurance plan in accordance with Sections 107.3.1 through
107.3.3.
107.3.1 Detailed requirements. A quality assurance plan shall be provided for the
following:
(No changes to Items 1 through 6.)
7. Requirements for Ccomponents and cladding including soffits.
8. Corrosion resistance or protection of metal connectors providing load path
continuity and exposed to the elements that provide load path continuity.
9. Requirements for Ccritical support systems and connections and debris impact
protection of the components and connections.
107.3.2 Quality assurance plan preparation. A quality assurance plan prepared by a
registered design professional shall be provided for The design of each main wind force
resisting system and each wind-resisting component shall include a quality assurance
plan prepared by a registered design professional.
107.3.3 Contractor responsibility. Each contractor responsible for the construction of
a main wind force resisting system or any component listed in the quality assurance
plan shall submit a written statement of responsibility to the authority having jurisdiction,
the responsible design professional, and owner prior to the commencement of work on
the system or component. The contractor’s statement of responsibility shall contain:
1. (No changes.)
2. (No changes.)
3. (No changes.)
4. (No changes.)
Exception: Prefabricated or panelized storm shelter components which have
been inspected and labeled by an approved agency as meeting the requirements
of the applicable building code.
IS-STM14-1 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Robert M. Krchak, Architect representing self
Further modify the proposed change as follows:
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107.3.3 Contractor responsibility. Each contractor responsible for the construction,
fabrication, or installation of a main wind force resisting system or any component listed
in the quality assurance plan shall submit a written statement of responsibility to the
authority having jurisdiction, the responsible design professional, and owner prior to the
commencement of work on the system or component. The contractor’s statement of
responsibility shall contain:
1. (No changes.)
2. (No changes.)
3. (No changes.)
4. (No changes.)
Exception: Fabrication of prefabricated or panelized storm shelter components
which have been inspected and labeled by an approved agency as meeting the
requirements of the applicable building code.
(Text of proposed change not shown remains unchanged.)
Reason: The contractor is often only a pass through of information particularly in design build and
construction management projects. The proposed change extends the intent of the statement of
responsibility requirements to both the fabricator and the installer of the indicated components as neither
may be the “contractor”. The exception removes the statement of responsibility requirement from the
contractor for pre-fabricated assemblies if the product is labeled. The modification to the exception
leaves intact the intent of the exception but clarifies that the exception only applies to the fabrication
of the components not the requirement for a statements of responsibility for the installer of the
components.
Proposal No.
IS-STM16-11/12
Section 107.3.3
Revise as follows:
107.3.3 Contractor responsibility. Each contractor responsible for the construction of
a main wind force resisting system or any component listed in the quality assurance
plan shall submit a written statement of responsibility to the authority having jurisdiction,
the responsible design professional, and owner prior to the commencement of work on
the system or component. The contractor’s statement of responsibility shall contain:
1. Acknowledgement of awareness of the special requirements contained in the
quality assurance plan.
2. Acknowledgement that control will be exercised to obtain conformance with the
construction documents.
3. Procedures for exercising control within the contractor’s organization, the method
and frequency of reporting and the distribution of reports.
4. Identification and qualifications of the person(s) exercising such control and their
position(s) in the organization.
Exception: Prefabricated or panelized storm shelter components which have
been inspected and labeled by an approved agency meeting the requirements of
the applicable building code.
Proposal No.
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IS-STM19-11/12
Section 108.2
Revise text as follows:
108.2 Labeling. Other than opening protectives, Pproducts, materials or systems shall
be labeled by an approved agency when required by the applicable code or jurisdiction.
Opening protectives shall bear a label denoting compliance with this standard.
Section 202
Add new definition as follows:
Label. An independent certification and permanent label applied on a product that
contains the name of the manufacturer or performance characteristics of the product or
material and the name and identification of the Approved agency, and that indicates that
the representative sample of the product or material has been tested and evaluated by
an approved agency.
IS-STM19-1 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Omar Kapur, US Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and URS Corporation, representing FEMA
Further modify as follows:
Label. An independent certification and permanent label applied on a product that
contains the name of the manufacturer or and performance characteristics (including,
but not limited to, test missile size and speed, and test pressure) of the product or
material and the name and identification of the Approved agency, and that indicates that
the representative sample of the product or material has been tested and evaluated by
an approved agency.
(Text of proposed change not shown remains unchanged.)
Reason: The proposed changes to proposal number IS-STM19 from the public comment draft of ICC500
would improve upon the proposal to help achieve its intent. The proposal as passed allowed for the label
to provide either the manufacturer or performance characteristics. While the name of the manufacturer
should be provided on the label of a product, the name alone would not provide both the manufacturer’s
name and the performance characteristics.
Further, additional language has been added after “performance characteristics” in order to define what
sort of characteristics, at a minimum, should be provided on the label. Because the missile impact and
pressure resistance are key to ICC500 and life-safety protection, those terms have been added after
performance characteristics to provide and explanation. The language has been added in a way that will
allow for additional characteristics should the manufacturer wish to provide them, but at a minimum
requires the text missile size and speed and the test pressure.
IS-STM19-2 (Public Comment)
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Proponent: Robert M. Krchak, Architect representing self
Revise text as follows:
108.2 Labeling. Opening protectives shall be labeled denoting compliance with this standard.
Other than opening protectives, products, materials or systems shall be labeled by an approved
agency when required by the applicable code or jurisdiction. Opening protectives shall bear a
label denoting compliance with this standard.
Section 202
Revise definition as follows:
Label. An identification applied on a product by the manufacturer An independent certification
and permanent label applied on a product that contains the name of the manufacturer or
performance characteristics of the product or material and the name and identification of an the
Aapproved agency, and that indicates that the representative sample of the product or material
has been tested and evaluated by an approved agency (see IBC Section 1703.5 and Section
202 for "Inspection certificate," "Manufacturer's designation" and "Mark").
Add new definition as follows:
LABELED. Equipment, materials or products to which has been affixed a label, seal, symbol or
other identifying mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency or other
organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of the
production of the above-labeled items and whose labeling indicates either that the equipment,
material or product meets identified standards or has been tested and found suitable for a
specified purpose.
Reason:
Revise 108.2:
Purpose: Clarify the imperative requirement.
Reason: The intent of paragraph “labeling” is to require, without exception, that a label be placed on all
opening protectives and to provide labeling on other products, materials or systems only when required
by the applicable code or jurisdiction. The proposed revision places the imperative of the paragraph as
the first sentence and the variable as the second.
Revise definition of Label and add definition of Labeled.
Purpose: Provide consistency across related codes and standards for terms defined in those codes.
Reason: The definition for “Label” as presented in the Public Comment Draft #1 is a revision to the
existing definition that is used in both the ICC 500-2008 and the IBC 2012. In lieu of making the definition
of label inconsistent with that of the IBC, it would be more consistent with the intent of Standard to leave
the definition as is and add the supporting term “Labeled”. This both provides for the intent of the
proposed change to the term label and makes the method of providing for that intent consistent with the
IBC use of the terms label and labeled. Adding the term “Labeled” also provides specific definition to the
term as it is used in 108.2.
ICC 500-2013 Development – Ballot and public
comments agenda – August 2013
Page 15
Proposal No.
IS-STM20-11/12
Section 302.1, 302.2, 304.1, 306.3, 306.4, 702.1.4, 703.1.5, 703.6.5,
804.9.6, 804.9.7, 804.10.1, 806.1, 806.5 and 806.5.2
Add new definition to Section 202 as follows:
Impact-Protective System. System or device such as a shutter, door, or other device
mounted on the inside or outside of the exterior wall of a shelter and which has been
demonstrated by testing to be capable of withstanding the impact of test missiles as
detailed in this standard.
Revise as follows:
302.1 Strength design. For Strength Design or Load and Resistance Factor Design
(LRFD), use the load combinations stated in ASCE 7, Section 2.3 with W determined in
accordance with Section 304 of this standard. Exception 1 to ASCE 7 Section 2.3.2
shall not apply. 2.3.2 with the following additional load combinations with W in these
additional load combinations being based on Section 304:
1. In load combination 3, replace 0.8W with 0.5W
2. In load combinations 4 and 6, replace 1.6W with 1.0W
3. Exception 1 shall not apply
302.2 Allowable stress design. For Allowable Stress Design (ASD), use the load
combinations stated in ASCE 7, Section 2.4.1 with W determined in accordance with
Section 304 of this standard. with the following additional load combinations with W in
these additional load combinations being based on Section 304:
1. In load combinations 5, 6, and 7, replace W with 0.6W
306.3 Wall and roof openings. All openings in the shelter envelope shall be protected
by doors complying with Section 306.3.1, windows complying with Section 306.3.2,
other impact-protective systems opening protective device complying with Section
306.4, or baffled to prevent windborne debris from entering the shelter protected
occupant area in accordance with Section 306.5.
306.4 Opening Protective Devices. Impact-protective systems. Opening protective
devices Impact-protective systems such as shutters and protective screens shall be
tested for missile impact in accordance with Chapter 8.
Exception: Non-operable, permanently affixed shields or cowlings are excluded
from pressure testing requirements of Section 806.5.
306.4.1 Opening protective devices Impact-protective systems in tornado
shelters. Impact-protective systems Opening protective devices in tornado shelters
shall be permanently affixed, and manually operable from inside the shelter.
702.1.4 Exhaust or intake opening protection. Air exhaust or intake openings that
terminate outside of occupied shelter areas and occupant support areas shall comply
with the provisions of Section 306.3 for exterior wall and roof impact-protective systems
opening protectives.
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703.1.5 Exhaust or intake opening protection. Air exhaust or intake openings that
terminate outside of occupied shelter areas and occupant support areas shall comply
with the provisions of Section 306.3 for exterior wall and roof impact-protective systems
opening protectives.
703.6.5 Location. Emergency electrical power supply shall be accessible by a protected access
route. The access route shall be located within the hurricane shelter or shall meet the provisions
for exterior wall and roof impact-protective systems opening protectives in accordance with this
standard.
804.9.6 Opening Protective Devices. Impact-protective systems. All shutter
assemblies and other Impact Protective Protection Systems shall be impacted in the
center of the closed opening, and at one interface corner as detailed in Figure 804.9.61. Panels and interface joints shall be impacted as shown in Figure 804.9.6-2. Interface
hinge joints and primary latches, where present, shall be impacted as shown in Figure
804.9.5-2 on an additional specimen.
804.9.7 Alcove or Baffled Entry Systems. Debris impact testing described in this
section is required for alcove/baffled access/egress systems meeting the requirements
of Sections 304 and 305. Figure 804.9.7 illustrates an alcove/baffle system. Debris
impact test requirements are presented for systems for which:
1. Storm debris impacts at least two impact-protective systems shelter protective
elements meeting the requirements of Section 306.2 prior to entering the
protected occupant area. Straight missile paths and elastic impacts are assumed
in determining missile trajectories. Test requirements for this type of system are
presented in Section 804.9.7.1. Examples of this type of system are shown in
Figure 804.9.7.1. The boundary between the protected occupant area and the
unprotected occupant area shall be clearly marked on the floor and walls of the
shelter.
2. Storm debris impacts initially an impact-protective system shelter protective
elements meeting the requirements of Section 306.2 and possibly rebounds to
impact an entry door. Straight missile paths and elastic impacts are assumed in
determining missile trajectories. The debris test requirements for this type of
system are presented in Section 804.8.7.2. Examples of this type of system are
shown in Figure 804.9.7.2-1 and Figure 804.9.7-2-2.
3. Storm debris impact on an entry door is limited to an angle less than 90 degrees
by an impact-protective system protective elements. The debris test requirements
for this type of system are presented in Section 804.8.7.3. Examples of this type
of system are shown in Figure 804.9.7.3.
804.10.1 Perforation. Any perforation of the interior surface of the tested component of
the shelter envelope by the design missile shall constitute a failure. For impactprotective systems opening protective devices, perforation or deflection that would
result in impact of the protected component constitutes a failure.
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806.1 Pressure Testing Procedures. Procedures for pressure testing wall assemblies,
roof assemblies, door assemblies, window assemblies, and impact-protective systems
opening protective devices requiring pressure testing are presented in this section.
806.5 Opening Protective Devices. Impact-protective systems. External impactprotective systems opening protective devices such as shutters and protective screens
shall be tested for ability to withstand prescribed pressures if withstanding pressure is
critical to their function when installed. Devices such as non-operable, permanently
affixed shields or cowlings whose only function is to protect against debris intrusion
need not be pressure tested.
806.5.1 Opening Protective Devices. Impact-protective systems. for Tornado
Shelters. External impact-protective systems protective devices for tornado shelters
whose ability to withstand wind-induced pressure when installed is critical to their
function shall be static pressure tested following procedures specified in ASTM E330 to
a pressure of at least 1.2 times the pressures specified in Section 304.. Debris impact
tests and pressure tests are permitted to be conducted separately.
Exception: Impact-protective systems Protective devices with a jamb or stop need
be tested only with pressure away from the stop.
806.5.2 Opening Protective Devices Impact-protective systems for Hurricane
Shelters. External impact-protective systems protective devices for hurricane shelters
whose ability to withstand wind-induced pressure when installed is critical to their
function shall be static pressure tested to a pressure of at least 1.2 times the shelter
design wind pressures specified in Section 304 following the procedures specified in
ASTM E330. Cyclic pressure tests conducted according to Section 805.5 shall be
conducted after debris impact tests.
IS-STM20-1 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Robert M. Krchak, Architect representing self
Further modify the proposed change as follows:
Revise new definition to Section 202 as follows:
Impact-Protective System. System or device such as a shutter, door, or other device
mounted on the inside or outside of the exterior wall of a shelter envelope and which
has been demonstrated by testing to be capable of withstanding the impact of test
missiles as detailed in this standard.
306.4 Impact-protective systems. Impact protective systems such as shutters and
protective screens shall be tested for missile impact in accordance with Chapter 8.
Exception: Non-operable, permanently affixed shields or cowlings are excluded
from pressure testing requirements of Section 806.5 when the shields or
cowlings have been designed to resist the wind pressures being applied.
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306.4.1 Impact-protective systems in tornado shelters. Impact protective systems in
tornado shelters shall be permanently affixed. and mManually operable impactprotective systems shall be operable from inside the shelter.
804.10.1 Perforation. Any perforation of the interior surface of the tested component of
the shelter envelope by the design missile shall constitute a failure. For impactprotective systems, perforation or deflection that would result in impact of the protected
component or penetration of the interior surface plane of the impact protective systems
constitutes a failure.
806.5 Impact-protective systems. External impact-protective systems such as
shutters and protective screens shall be tested for ability to withstand prescribed
pressures if withstanding pressure is critical to their function when installed. Devices
such as non-operable, permanently affixed shields or cowlings whose only function is to
protect against debris intrusion need not be pressure tested when the shields or
cowlings have been designed and anchored to resist the design loads as determined by
the standard.
.
806.5.1 Impact-protective systems for Tornado Shelters. External impact-protective
systems for tornado shelters whose ability to withstand wind-induced pressure when
installed is critical to their function shall be static pressure tested following procedures
specified in ASTM E330 to a pressure of at least 1.2 times the pressures specified in
Section 304.. Debris impact tests and pressure tests are permitted to be conducted
separately.
Exception: Impact-protective systems with a jamb or stop need be tested only
with pressure away from the stop where it can be demonstrated that loads
applied by impact testing result in uniformly applied pressures greater than
pressures resulting from pressure testing.
(Text of proposed change not shown remains unchanged.)
Reason for revision to definition of Impact Protective System.
The term “impact protective system” is used in 306.3 as a component of protection for roof openings.
Therefore, the definition of impact protective system should indicate that impact protective systems are for
use not just on the exterior wall, but also any location on the shelter envelope. The term “shelter
envelope” is consistent with Section 202 definition of Shelter Enclosure and with the use of the term
elsewhere in the standard. “Exterior wall” and “roof” may be confusing as some shelters, those contained
within a host building such as an office building or school, may not have an “exterior wall” or “roof” unless
the shelter is completely removed by the wind event.
Reason to modify 806.5:
This is to clarify that even though testing for pressure is not required, the device must still withstand the
design wind loads exerted during the storm event. If the component is not designed for wind pressure and
blows off prior to exposure to debris, the opening would be unprotected.
Reason for modification to 806.5.1 Exception: This assumes the stop will resist the pressure inward.
This assumption may not be in the best interest of the occupants. The existence of a stop does not
assure the stop would resist the pressures that may be applied to it. The intent of the additional language
is to assure that there is some type of verification that the lesser of the potentially applied forces is the
force being eliminated by the exception.
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Page 19
IS-STM26-11/12
Section 309.1.1 and 309.1.2
Revise as follows:
309.1.1 Structural stability of storm shelter foundations. Foundations Other than
host buildings designed in accordance with Section 308.1.1, foundations and slabs that
provide structural stability for storm shelters shall be designed to resist the combined
uplift and lateral forces on the shelter that are calculated for the storm shelter design
wind speed assuming the host building is totally destroyed by the windstorm.
Exception: Where the host building is designed in accordance with Section 308.1.1, the
design of foundations and slabs shall not be required to assume the host building is totally
destroyed by the windstorm.
309.1.2 Calculation of resistance. Structural stability of storm shelters shall be
determined by engineering calculations for design wind pressures determined in
accordance with Section 304. Where For storm shelters are anchored to foundations or
slabs-on grade whose top surfaces extending outward from the shelter walls are at
grade, the top surfaces of the foundations or slabs shall not be considered to have wind
uplift forces acting on them top surfaces of the slab.
309.1.2.1. Slabs on grade. Slabs on grade shall be designed for the applicable loads in
accordance with Section 301. Where a slab on grade is being used to resist loads, the
minimum thickness shall be 3½ inches (88.9 mm) and the minimum steel reinforcement
for slabs on grade resisting forces on the storm shelter shall be 6 x 6 – W1.4 x W1.4 or
No. 4 bars, 18 inches on center in either direction.
Exception: Concrete and concrete masonry storm shelters shall be permitted to be
constructed within existing one & two family dwellings on existing slabs on grade
without a foundation, under the following conditions:
1. Calculated soil pressure under the slabs on grade supporting the storm shelter walls
shall does not exceed 2000 psf (95.8 kN/m2) for design loading conditions other than
design storm shelter events and 3000 psf (143.7 kN/m2) for design storm shelter
events.
2. The storm shelter is anchored at a minimum to the slab on grade at each corner of
the structure and on each side of the doorway opening minimum.
3. Reinforcing The reinforcement requirements in the slab on grade shall not be
required where the are waived if dead load of the slab is not required to resist
overturning.
309.1.2.2 Joints in concrete slabs on grade. Design calculations for concrete slabs
on grade supporting storm shelters shall include the effect of expansion joints,
contraction joints or construction joints where such slabs on grade that are utilized to
resist tensile and shear loads from the supported in concrete slabs on grade supporting
storm shelters.
IS-STM26-1 (Public Comment)
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Proponent: Mike Vaughn, Vaughn Concrete Products, Inc., representing self, and .
Further modify proposal as follows:
Exception: Concrete and concrete masonry storm shelters shall be permitted to
be constructed within existing one & two family dwellings on existing slabs on
grade without a foundation, under the following conditions:
1. Calculated soil pressure under the slabs on grade supporting the storm shelter walls
shall not exceed 2000 psf (95.8 kN/m2) for design loading conditions other than
design storm shelter events and 3000 psf (143.7 kN/m2) for design storm shelter
events.
2. The storm shelter is anchored at a minimum to the slab on grade at each corner of
the structure and on each side of the doorway opening.
3. Reinforcing in the slab on grade shall not be required where the dead load of
the slab is not required to resist overturning.
4. The existing slab on grade meets the minimum requirements of the storm
shelter/safe room design for the concrete shelter as determined by the
registered design professional of record and by an independent third party
qualified reviewer. The design professional, shelter manufacturer and
independent third party reviewer should create a quality assurance plan and
installation checklist which can assure proper installation.
Reason: Cost is the consideration for many people considering a storm shelter/safe
room. Utilizing a concrete shelter on the existing slab, which may not be reinforced,
may be the only way they can obtain shelter.
Many storm shelters/safe rooms are requested to be placed onto existing slabs. Some
concrete storm shelters/safe rooms require very little of the existing slab to be stable. I
suggest adding the additional exception.
Please see attached pages on NSSA “Safe Room Qualified” status requirements.
IS-STM26-2 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Keith Gwin, Central Alabama Storm Shelters, representing self.
Further modify the proposal as follows:
Exception: Concrete and concrete masonry storm shelters shall be permitted to
be constructed within existing one & two family dwellings on existing slabs on
grade without a foundation, under the following conditions:
1. Calculated soil pressure under the slabs on grade supporting the storm
shelter walls shall not exceed 2000 psf (95.8 kN/m2) for design loading
conditions other than design storm shelter events and 3000 psf (143.7 kN/m 2)
for design storm shelter events.
2. The storm shelter is anchored at a minimum to the slab on grade at each
corner of the structure and on each side of the doorway opening.
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3. Reinforcing in the slab on grade shall not be required where the dead load of
the slab is not required to resist overturning.
4. The existing slab on grade meets the minimum requirements of the storm
shelter/safe room design for the concrete shelter as determined by the
registered design professional of record and by an independent third party
qualified reviewer. The design professional, shelter manufacturer and
independent third party reviewer shall create a quality assurance plan and
installation checklist which can assure proper installation.
IS-STM26-2 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Deb Schultz, representing self
Further modify the proposal as follows:
Exception: Concrete and concrete masonry storm shelters shall be permitted to
be constructed within existing one & two family dwellings on existing slabs on
grade without a foundation, under the following conditions:
1. Calculated soil pressure under the slabs on grade supporting the storm
shelter walls shall not exceed 2000 psf (95.8 kN/m2) for design loading
conditions other than design storm shelter events and 3000 psf (143.7 kN/m 2)
for design storm shelter events.
2. The storm shelter is anchored at a minimum to the slab on grade at each
corner of the structure and on each side of the doorway opening.
3. Reinforcing in the slab on grade shall not be required where the dead load of
the slab is not required to resist overturning.
4. The reinforcement requirements in the slab on grade are waived for storm
shelters continuously epoxied to the existing slab on grade and evaluated as
an unreinforced slab to resist overturning.
Reason: The overturning force can be evaluated and compared to the shear capacity
of an unreinforced or plain concrete section directly below the shelter walls to determine
adequacy and the need for reinforcement. Reinforcing should not be mandated as it
can be evaluated.
Proposal No.
IS-STM28-11/12
Section 310.1
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Revise as follows:
310.1 Penetrations of storm shelter envelope by mechanical, electrical and
plumbing systems and utilities. Penetrations through the storm shelter envelope of
mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, including piping and utility lines, larger
than 3-1/2 square inches (2258 mm2) in area for rectangular penetrations or 2-1/16
inches (52.38 mm) in diameter for systems and utilities installed for any purpose, shall
be considered openings and shall be protected in accordance with Section 306.3.
Penetrations of the storm shelter envelope shall not degrade the structural integrity of
the storm shelter and missile impact resistance of the storm shelter envelope.
Penetrations of the shelter envelope by hazardous gas or liquid lines shall have
automatic shutoffs to protect against leakage due to movement of the utility line. The
threshold movements for shutoff shall be as defined by the codes and standards
governing such utility lines.
Proposal No.
IS-STM32-11/12
Section 404.1.1, 401.1.2
Revise as follows:
401.1.1 Minimum floor elevation of community shelters. The lowest floor used for
the occupied shelter and occupant support areas of a community shelter shall be
elevated to the higher of the elevations determined by:
1. The flood elevation, including coastal wave effects, having a 0.2% annual chance
of being equaled or exceeded in any given year; or
2. Two feet above the flood elevation having a 1% annual chance of being equaled
or exceeded in any given year; or
3. Two feet above The flood elevation corresponding to the highest recorded flood
elevation if the area is not in a mapped special flood hazard area; or
4. The maximum flood inundation elevation associated with a Category 5 hurricane
event, including coastal wave effects. In areas where Category 5 flood elevations
have not been established, the elevation associated with the highest established
hurricane category shall apply; or in an area subject to storm surge inundation.
5. The minimum elevation of the lowest floor required by the authority having
jurisdiction.
Exception: Items no. 1, 2, 3 and 4 shall not apply to shelters designed,
constructed, designated and used only as residential tornado shelters.
401.1.2 Minimum floor elevation of residential shelters. The lowest floor used for the
occupied shelter area of a residential shelter shall be elevated to the higher of the
elevations determined by:
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1. The minimum elevation of the lowest floor required by the floodplain ordinance of the
community; or
2. One foot (304.8 mm) above the flood elevation corresponding to the highest recorded
elevation if the area is not in a mapped special flood hazard area or is in a mapped nonparticipating community. a flood hazard study has not been conducted for the area; or
3. The flood elevation, including coastal wave effects, having a 0.2-percent annual chance
of being equaled or exceeded in any given year; or
4. The maximum flood elevation associated with a Category 5 hurricane event, including
coastal wave effects. In areas where Category 5 flood elevations have not been
established, the elevation associated with the highest established hurricane category
shall apply.
Exception: Items 3 and 4 shall not apply to shelters designed, constructed, designated,
and used only as tornado shelters.
IS-STM32-1 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Omar Kapur, US Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and URS Corporation, representing FEMA
Further modify the proposal as follows:
401.1.1 Minimum floor elevation of community shelters. The lowest floor used for
the occupied shelter and occupant support areas of a community shelter shall be
elevated to the higher of the elevations determined by:
1. The flood elevation, including coastal wave effects, having a 0.2% annual chance
of being equaled or exceeded in any given year; or
2. Two feet above the flood elevation having a 1% annual chance of being equaled
or exceeded in any given year; or
3. The flood elevation corresponding to the highest recorded flood elevation if a
flood hazard study has not been conducted for the area: or
4. The maximum flood elevation associated with a Category 5 hurricane event,
including coastal wave effects. In areas where Category 5 flood elevations have
not been established, the elevation associated with the highest established
hurricane category shall apply; or
5. The minimum elevation of the lowest floor required by the authority having
jurisdiction.
Exception: Items no. 1, 2, 3 and 4 shall not apply to shelters designed,
constructed, designated and used only as residential tornado shelters.
401.1.2 Minimum floor elevation of residential shelters. The lowest floor used for the
occupied shelter area of a residential shelter shall be elevated to the higher of the
elevations determined by:
1. The minimum elevation of the lowest floor required by the floodplain ordinance of the
community; or
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2. One foot (304.8 mm) above the flood elevation corresponding to the highest recorded
elevation if a flood hazard study has not been conducted for the area; or
3. The flood elevation, including coastal wave effects, having a 0.2-percent annual chance
of being equaled or exceeded in any given year; or
4. The maximum flood elevation associated with a Category 5 hurricane event, including
coastal wave effects. In areas where Category 5 flood elevations have not been
established, the elevation associated with the highest established hurricane category
shall apply.
Exception: Items 3 and 4 shall not apply to shelters designed, constructed, designated,
and used only as tornado shelters.
Reason: The changes proposed above offer corrections to proposal number IS-STM32. The proposal
was originally passed by the committee as worded above (in both the committee calls and the balloting on
Committee Action Report items), but a different version was provided in the public comment. The version
above corrects the language by adding back in the precondition that the highest record flood be one of
the criteria if the shelter is in an area that has not been studied. Without this language, shelters in areas
that have been studied and have an identified, accurate flood risk must consider the record flood, which is
not typically accurate and should only be used as a last resort when there is no knowledge of the flood
risk in an area.
Further, the proposal as passed only exempted items 1 and 4 from community tornado-only storm shelter
flood elevation criteria. These two items are more applicable to hurricane shelters and therefore should
not be required for tornado shelters.
Proposal No.
IS-STM35-11/12
1. Add new text as follows:
SECTION 202
DEFINITIONS
AREAS OF CONCENTRATED FURNISHINGS. The areas of a storm shelter or safe
room with furniture or fixtures which cannot be easily moved, including areas such as
bathrooms, locker rooms, and rooms with fixed seating or fixed tables.
AREAS OF UNCONCENTRATED FURNISHINGS. The areas of a storm shelter or safe
room with furniture or fixtures which can be easily moved, including areas such as
classrooms and offices.
AREAS OF OPEN PLAN FURNISHINGS. The areas of a storm shelter or safe room
which are generally free of furniture or fixtures which cannot be easily moved and of
interior partitions or other features which block movement through or otherwise
subdivide the space.
2. Revise as follows:
501.1.2.1 Calculation of usable floor area. The usable shelter floor area shall be
determined by using the following percentages:
1. Reducing the gross floor area of shelter areas with areas of concentrated furnishings or
fixed seating by a minimum of 50 percent.
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2. Reducing the gross floor area of shelter areas with areas of unconcentrated furnishings
and without fixed seating by a minimum of 35 percent.
3. Reducing the gross floor area of shelter areas with areas of open plan
furnishings and without fixed seating by a minimum of 15 percent.
IS-STM35-1 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Robert M. Krchak, Architect representing self
AREAS OF CONCENTRATED FURNISHINGS. The areas of a storm shelter or safe
room with furniture or fixtures which cannot be easily moved, including areas such as
bathrooms, locker rooms, and rooms with fixed seating or fixed tables.
AREAS OF UNCONCENTRATED FURNISHINGS. The areas of a storm shelter or safe
room with furniture or fixtures which can be easily moved, including areas such as
classrooms and offices.
AREAS OF OPEN PLAN FURNISHINGS. The areas of a storm shelter or safe room
which are generally free of furniture or fixtures which cannot be easily moved and of
interior partitions or other features which block movement through or otherwise
subdivide the space.
(Portions of proposed change not shown remain unchanged.)
Reason: The term “safe room” has no specific definition within the standard. The
definition of “storm shelter” is specific and inclusive of an individual room, multiple
rooms and entire buildings. The title of the standard addresses only design and
construction of a “storm shelter”. The term is ambiguous and implies that a safe room is
somehow different from a shelter. Recommendation is to eliminate term “safe room’
anywhere it occurs in the standard.
IS-STM45-11/12
Section 806.4.1
Revise as follows:
806.4.1 Window Assemblies and Other Glazed Openings for Tornado Shelters.
Window assemblies and other glazed openings for tornado shelters shall be static
pressure tested away from stops to a pressure of at least 1.2 times the design wind
pressure following procedures detailed in sections ASTM E 330 to the pressures
specified in Section 304. Pressure tests are allowed to be conducted separately from
debris impact tests.
Proposal No.
IS-STM50-11/12
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Section 702.1.1.1
Revise as follows:
702.1.1.1 Location of ventilation openings. Configuration of natural ventilation
openings required for tornado shelters shall be such that a minimum of 25 percent of
the required area is located within 46 inches (2581 mm) of the floor, or in the lower onehalf of the height of the shelter, whichever is less, with the balance, but not less than 50
percent of the required area located a minimum of 72 inches (1829 mm) above the floor,
or in the upper one-fourth of the height of the shelter, whichever is greater. Lower and
upper openings shall be horizontally located at least 2/3 the diagonal distance of the
shelter apart on opposite wall or the roof surface.
IS-STM50-1 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Robert M. Krchak, Architect representing self
702.1.1.1 Location of ventilation openings. Configuration of natural ventilation
openings required for tornado shelters shall be such that a minimum of 25 percent of
the required area is located within 46 inches (2581 mm) of the floor, or in the lower onehalf of the height of the shelter, whichever is less, with the balance, but not less than 50
percent of the required area located a minimum of 72 inches (1829 mm) above the floor,
or in the upper one-fourth of the height of the shelter, whichever is greater. Lower and
upper openings shall be placed a horizontal distance apart equal to horizontally located
at least 2/3 the length of the maximum diagonal dimension distance of the shelter or
area within the shelter being ventilated. apart Openings may be located on opposite
walls or the roof surface. For a shelter consisting of more than one room or a shelter
containing rooms without exterior walls, air movement between and through rooms shall
occur by placing openings between the rooms or in ceilings.
Reason: The separation distance was reworded to more clearly express the intent (similar to wording for
separation of exits) of the proposed requirement. As written, 702.1.1.1 appears to allow naturally
ventilated shelters when they consist of only one room with two opposite exterior walls or multiple rooms
each having one exterior wall and a roof penetration. A new last sentence was added to allow natural
ventilation in shelters containing multiple rooms by identifying a method to allow the ventilation to occur in
those rooms without requiring multiple roof penetrations or exterior walls.
IS-STM50-2 (Public comment)
Proponent: McKenzie Roberts, Engineering Consultants and Design, Inc.,
representing self
Further modify proposal as follows:
702.1.1.1 Location of ventilation openings. Configuration of natural ventilation
openings required for tornado shelters shall be such that a minimum of 25 percent of
the required area is located within 46 inches (2581 mm) of the floor, or in the lower onehalf of the height of the shelter, whichever is less, with the balance, but not less than 50
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percent of the required area located a minimum of 72 inches (1829 mm) above the floor,
or in the upper one-fourth of the height of the shelter, whichever is greater. Lower and
upper openings shall be horizontally located at least 2/3 the diagonal distance of the
shelter apart on opposite wall or the roof surface and spaced to provide adequate cross
ventilation of the shelter.
Reason: There is no compelling reason for limiting the location of upper and lower ventilation openings
to an arbitrary fraction (2/3rds) of the maximum diagonal distance of the shelter. The limitation results in
the inability to comply with chapter 7 with respect to mechanical or natural ventilation for long, corridor
type storm shelters. The proposed minimum distance limit will preclude exhaust vents from being on the
opposite wall or in the roof of a square footprint shelter. The proposed restriction is not defined for
round, octagonal, or truncated end shelters.
Limiting the minimum distance between intake and exhaust vent locations precludes distributed
ventilation which has passive intake air entering through lower wall vents and exhausting through
distributed roof vents by heat convection, the most commonly used method of providing passive
ventilation. The proposed amendment fails to take into account the principle of heat convection in passive
or natural ventilation designs. The limitation of intakes and exhausts in large portions of the shelter would
limit the points of discharge of warmer air from the shelter, resulting in heat build-up for extended shelter
occupancies without electric power.
IS-STM50-3 (Public comment)
Proponent: Oscar Scott P.E., Red Dog Mobile Shelters LLC, representing self, and
Michael Vaughn, Vaughn Concrete Products, Inc., representing self.
Further modify the proposal as follows:
702.1.1.1 Location of ventilation openings. Configuration of natural ventilation
openings required for tornado shelters shall be such that a minimum of 25 percent of
the required area is located within 46 inches (2581 mm) of the floor, or in the lower onehalf of the height of the shelter, whichever is less, with the balance, but not less than 50
percent of the required area located a minimum of 72 inches (1829 mm) above the floor,
or in the upper one-fourth of the height of the shelter, whichever is greater. Lower and
upper openings shall be horizontally located at least 2/3 the diagonal distance of the
shelter apart on opposite wall or the roof surface.
Reason: The proposed language seems very restrictive. It would seem better to have the ventilation to
be the responsibility of the registered design professional for a given geometry. The proposed language
could create restrictions in many types of geometries because of the diagonal distance requirements.
Section 702.1.3 requires 10 feet separation and seems suitable.
IS-STM54-11/12
Section 107.2.1, 303.1, 703.8 (NEW)
303.1 Rainfall loads. Rain loads shall be determined in accordance with ASCE 7. Rainfall rates for
hurricane shelter roofs shall meet the following:
303.1.1 Rainfall rate for the primary drainage system. Rainfall rate for the primary drainage
system shall be determined by adding 3 inches (76.2 mm) of rainfall per hour to the rainfall rate
established from Figure 303.2.
303.1.2. Rainfall rate for the secondary (overflow) drainage system. Where required, The
rainfall rate for the secondary drainage systems shall be determined by adding 6 inches (152.4
mm) of rainfall per hour to the rainfall rate established from Figure 303.2.
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Add new Section 703.8:
703.8 Rainwater drainage for hurricane shelter facilities with open or perforated
screen roof. Rainwater drainage shall be provided for facilities where it is possible
that rainwater will be impounded and flood occupied shelter areas, critical support
systems or access routes. The rainfall rate shall be determined by adding 6 inches
(152.4 mm) per hour to the rainfall rate established in Figure 303.2.
107.2.1 Design Information.
#.
For hurricane shelters, the rainfall rate of the roof primary drainage
system.
#.
For hurricane shelters, the rainfall rate of the roof secondary (overflow)
drainage system where required.
#.
For hurricane shelters, the rainwater drainage design rainfall rate for
facilities subject to rainwater impoundment.
IS-STM54-1 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Robert M. Krchak, Architect representing self
Further modify as follows:
703.8 Rainwater drainage for hurricane shelter facilities. Rainwater drainage shall
be provided for roofed areas of the shelter, to eliminate water ponding that would
exceed the waterproofing, structural or building utilities capability to function properly.
Rainwater site drainage shall be provided that will eliminate areas where facilities
where it is possible that rainwater will be impounded or flow otherwise restricted and
flood occupied shelter areas, critical support systems or access routes. The rainfall rate
shall be determined by adding 6 inches (152.4 mm) per hour to the rainfall rate
established in Figure 303.2. Rainwater drainage shall be designed to accommodate
rainfall rates required by local laws or ordinances and the following:
Add the following:
703.8.1 Rainfall rate for the primary drainage system. Rainfall rate for the primary
drainage system shall be determined by adding 3 inches (76.2 mm) of rainfall per hour
to the rainfall rate established from Figure 303.2.
703.8.2 Rainfall rate for the secondary (overflow) drainage system. The rainfall rate
for the secondary drainage system shall be determined by adding 6 inches (152.4 mm)
of rainfall per hour to the rainfall rate established from Figure 303.2.
(Portions of proposed change not shown remain unchanged.)
Reason: The proposed revision provides a performance type statement of drainage for both the roofed
and site areas which further clarifies the intent of the original proposal. The words “or otherwise restricted”
were included to add definition to “impounded”. A statement was added to emphasize that both roof and
site drainage designs are to use the increased levels of rainfall rate presented in the standard. In some
areas of the country, local law or ordinance already provides for increased drainage to mitigate flooding
potential. The inclusion of this reference is to clarify that the standard is not intended to supersede greater
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requirements for drainage that may otherwise apply. Format for describing required rainfall rates was
modified to provide consistency with the proposed 303.1 revisions.
IS-STM58-11/12
Section 107.2.1, 304
Revise as follows:
107.2.1 Design information. For the areas of a building designed for occupancy as a
storm shelter, the following information shall be provided within the construction
documents:
Items 1 – 3 : No change to current text.
4. The importance factor, I.
Items 5. – 16: No change to current text.
SECTION 304
WIND LOADS
304.1 General. Design wind pressures Wind loads shall be determined using Method
2, Analytical Procedure, from Section 6 of ASCE 7 except as modified by this section.
304.2 Design wind speed. For tornado shelters, the design wind speed shall be in
accordance with Figure 304.2(1). For hurricane shelters, the design wind speed shall
be in accordance with Figure 304.2(2).
304.3 Wind directionality factor. The directionality factor shall be taken as Kd = 1.0.
304.4 Importance factor. 304.5 Exposure category. The importance factor, I, shall
be taken as 1.0. Wind pressures For tornado shelters, wind loads shall be based on
exposure category C. For hurricane shelters, use of exposure category B is not
permitted.
Exception: For hurricane shelters, where exposure category B exists for all wind
directions, MWFRS wind loads for the Main Wind Force Resisting System (MWFRS)
only wind pressures shall be permitted to be based upon exposure category B when
where exposure category B exists for all wind directions and is likely to remain
exposure category B after a hurricane with a wind speed determined from Section
304.2.
304.6 Topographic effects. For tornado shelters, the topographic factor Kzt need
not exceed 1.0.
304.7 Enclosure classifications. Enclosure classifications for storm shelters shall be
determined in accordance with ASCE 7, Section 6.2. For determining the enclosure
classification for community storm shelters, the largest door or window on a wall that
receives positive external pressure shall be considered as an opening.
304.8 Atmospheric pressure change (APC). For tornado shelters classified as
enclosed buildings, the additional internal pressures caused by atmospheric pressure
change shall be considered. The internal pressure coefficient, GCpi, shall be taken as
+/- 0.18 when APC venting area of 1 square foot (0.0929 m2) per 1,000 cubic feet (28.3
m3) of interior shelter volume is provided. APC venting shall consist of openings in the
shelter roof having a pitch not greater than 10 degrees from the horizontal or openings
divided equally (within 10% of one another) on opposite walls. A combination of APC
venting meeting the above requirements is permitted.
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Exception: Calculation of venting area to relieve APC is not required for hurricane
shelters for tornado shelters classified as partially enclosed. An internal pressure
coefficient of GCpi = +/- 0.55 shall be used for tornado shelters where APC venting
meeting the requirements of Section 304.8 is not provided, or where APC venting area
requirements are not calculated.
IS-STM58-1 (Public Comment)
Proponent: William L. Coulbourne, Applied Technology Council, Representing
Self
Further modify as follows:
304.1 General. Wind loads shall be determined using the Directional Procedure from
Chapter 27 of ASCE 7 except as modified by this section.
Reason: Tornado damage investigations have illustrated that wind damage to buildings has significant
contribution from both uplift and lateral pressures frequently failing roof systems and/or pushing
buildings off foundations. These increases in pressures have been corroborated by research at Iowa
State and results have been published (Haan 2010). In a review of damage sites and in working to
provide sound guidance to designers about how to design for tornadoes, it is clear to me that there is a
significant gap in our knowledge of all of the failure modes of buildings from these events and that much
research is needed to close that gap.
The current wind design procedure called the Envelope Method which would be allowed if the proposed
revision to the standard was passed was developed by the metal building industry backed by significant
research on wind pressures on those building types and is passed on having resultant forces on
buildings (base shear, overturning moments) be approximately equal to the Directional Method and thus
the external pressure coefficients provided in Chapter 28 of the ASCE 7 standard are “pseudocoefficients” in that they were backed into to achieve the desired result. I am strongly against designing
buildings to resist tornado wind pressures based on “pseudo-coefficients” when people’s lives could be
at stake.
In a comparison of calculated wind pressures for both the Directional and Envelope Methods resulting in
base shear, the results based on a number of along wind to windward face ratios (L/B) and a few
building height to along wind direction ratios (h/L), when the Envelope external pressure coefficients for
the field of the walls are used, the base shear for the envelope method is only 62% to 81% of the shear
developed from the Directional Method for a range of L/B ratios from 1-4. If the edge zone wall
coefficients are used, the base shear for the Envelope Method increases to 94% to 122% of the
Directional Method base shear for the same L/B ratio range of 1-4. Edge zones are usually rather narrow
areas at the corners of building walls where pressures increase as wind is forced to change direction
because of the building geometry. It does not seem prudent to have to design all wall areas with the
higher external pressure coefficients to achieve an equal base shear.
My proposed revised language has been noted above – to require wind pressure design for tornadoes to
be done in accordance with Chapter 27 and the Directional Procedure.
IS-STM59-11/12
Section 309.1.2.1
Revise as follows:
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309.1.2.1 Slabs on grade. New or existing slabs on grade shall be designed for the
applicable loads in accordance with Section 301; . Where a slab on grade is being used
to resist loads, however; the minimum thickness shall be 3 ½ inches (88.9 mm) and the
minimum steel reinforcement for slabs on grade resisting forces on the storm shelter
shall be 6 by 6 – W1.4 by W1.4 or No. 4 bars, 18 inches on center in 2 either directions.
IS-STM59-1 (Public Comment)
Proponent: Robert M. Krchak, Architect representing self
309.1.2.1 Slabs on grade. New or existing slabs on grade shall be designed for the
applicable loads in accordance with Section 301; however, For slabs on grade resisting
forces on the storm shelter, the minimum thickness shall be 3 ½ inches (88.9 mm) and
the minimum steel reinforcement for slabs on grade resisting forces on the storm shelter
shall be 6 by 6 – W1.4 by W1.4 or No. 4 bars, 18 inches on center in 2 directions even
where engineering calculations indicate a slab of lesser thickness in reinforcing would
resist the applicable loads. For existing slabs the thickness and reinforcement shall be
determined by either destructive or non-destructive testing.
Purpose: Reformat paragraph to clearly distinguish the two requirements of slab design and to
identify method of verification for existing slabs.
Reason: First sentence was divided into two sentences and the word “however” was removed to allow
the two requirements for slab design, complying with 301 and providing for minimum construction
requirements, to be of equal weight. The words “for slabs on grade resisting forces on the storm
shelter” were relocated for grammatical clarification. The words “even where engineering calculations
indicate a slab of lesser thickness and reinforcing would resist the applicable loads” were added to
both emphasize and clarify that both requirements are to be met. The last sentence was added to
identify that the conditions of an existing slab must be verified and that assuming conditions or using
existing construction documents as verification was not acceptable.
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