[Greenbuilding] tornado shelter

[Jason Holstine]

You might check Agriboard--wheatstraw SIP panels. Made in Texas, they've
done testing on tornado-proofing.
 

-----Original Message-----
From: greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at listserv.repp.org] On Behalf Of Elizabeth
Seiler
Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2007 1:06 PM
To: Green Building
Subject: [Greenbuilding] tornado shelter


I want to build a garden shed that can double as a tornado shelter.

I have read that ICF works great, but what about ICF.  Isn't this a
petroleum based product? 

Then there's concrete.  It seems aerated concrete may not be strong enough
to withstand large flying debris.

What about Faswall and/or strawbale for shelters.  I like the idea of having
steel running through the buffering agents for strength.  With Faswal you
get that inner concrete skeleton.  I could use flyash in that concrete.

What about cordwood?  I thought perhaps building a steel framework, filling
in with cordwood, then clamping a steel beam along the top of the wall
(forget the term for that beam).

I had even looked ito a monolithic concrete poured dome, but I really don't
have enough space if I also want to install shelved, etc. for my books, etc.

What about a roof system?
I had thought the steel frame could be bolted to concrete footers, extend up
through the frame and through the roof to hold the roof on (instead of a
roof just being tacked onto the top).  The roof would not have overhangs
(any windows would have their own overhang).  How about a sod roof? 

Of course earth shelters are cool, but I don't have tons of space.  I could
bank up earth on two sides.  What walls are best to support banking of
earth?

So many questions....

Elizabeth M. Seiler

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