Blast-resistant and bulletproof buildings can withstand explosions and extreme weather events, protecting the personnel and equipment being sheltered. They are modular, allowing work crews to assemble, disassemble, and move the building as necessary quickly and efficiently.
Commercial Structures has been delivering quality modular buildings since 1976. We design and manufacture various standard and custom blast-resistant buildings, with several interior and exterior options as well as electrical, plumbing, lighting, and communication systems. Understanding what modular blast-resistant and bulletproof buildings are, how they work, and the applications where they are beneficial will help you determine if a blast-resistant building from Commercial Structures is the right solution for your application.
Modular Blast-Resistant & Bulletproof Buildings Explained
Blast-resistant modular buildings are structures designed to withstand blast events. Constructed using thick steel walls and special interior fixtures, the buildings are built to withstand high PSI levels generated by these events. Many applications rely on blast-resistant buildings, including chemical processing plants and oil refineries.
In addition to resisting blasts, blast-resistant modular buildings offer secure, durable shelters that crews can use during an emergency or disaster. Installing a blast-resistant building on a facility allows industry professionals to protect personnel from collapsing buildings, debris, and broken glass-related injuries. By keeping workers safe, these buildings also assist with recovery and rescue operations.
Blast-resistant modular buildings rely on structural and non-structural features, including blast-resistant cabinets and plumbing, electrical, and lighting systems. Manufacturers offer a range of customization to deliver solutions for various commercial and industrial applications. Some custom features and options include:
- Custom exterior coatings
- Multi-module complexes for larger worksites and facilities
- Gas detection equipment
- Decontamination rooms
- Communication and data wiring
- Blast-resistant windows
Benefits of Modular Blast-Resistant & Bulletproof Buildings
Modular blast-resistant buildings offer various benefits, the most prominent being their ability to withstand the destructive effects of an explosion. Personnel, assets, and equipment inside the building are safe from the blast. Facilities with a modular blast-resistant building can reduce liability and risks to on-site personnel, and the structure can be disassembled for mobility and reassembled in a different location. Benefits of these versatile buildings include:
- Improved safety: They provide high safety levels for occupants, with the ability to withstand natural disasters, ballistic attacks, and explosions.
- Quick construction: The building is manufactured in a controlled environment, reducing on-site construction time considerably. The prefabricated components are assembled on-site, minimizing traditional construction elements like foundation work and preparation.
- Flexibility: The buildings can be expanded and reconfigured when necessary, reducing costs associated with tearing down and rebuilding a structure and allowing for flexibility when it comes to space.
- Energy-efficiency: Modular buildings are insulated, with ventilation and energy-efficient lighting systems that reduce energy consumption. They offer savings over time with lower heating, cooling, and lighting expenses.
- Cost-effectiveness: Modular buildings are less costly to construct than traditional buildings, requiring less labor and time to build. They are suitable for temporary applications, such as temporary office facilities or worksites.
- Customizability: The buildings are customizable to deliver tailored solutions, including preferences for traditional or modern aesthetics. They can also be tailored to the requirements or preferences of the occupants.
Applications of Modular Blast-Resistant & Bulletproof Buildings
Blast-resistant buildings offer protection and security for a wide range of applications, such as:
- Control rooms
- Operations shelters
- Security buildings
- Lunch and break rooms
- Restrooms and changing rooms
- Labs with fume hoods
- Permit buildings
- Remote instrument enclosures
- Modular detention facilities
- Charging enclosures
- Shelters-in-place
One of the key industries that rely on blast-resistant structures is mining, which utilizes hazardous material storage and handling facilities. Keeping personnel safe in blast-proof buildings is crucial here, especially if these offices are near designated blast areas.
Choosing Commercial Structures for Blast-Resistant & Bulletproof Buildings
Blast-resistant buildings offer various benefits, including customizability, energy efficiency, flexibility, and fast construction. These modular buildings are suitable for a range of applications and industries requiring blast-resistant shelters or bases of operations. Commercial Structures has over 45 years of experience delivering quality modular structures with custom configurations to suit our clients’ needs. Request a quote to get started on protecting your workers, assets, and equipment with blast-resistant and bulletproof buildings.
Blast Resistance Specifications, Standards, and Testing
Our standard blast resistant buildings weigh between 1,200 and 14,000 pounds, feature ceilings between 7 and 10 feet tall, and can be made as small as 8 feet long by 8 feet wide or as large as 40 feet long by 12 feet wide. Doors and windows — including specialized transaction windows with voice ports of various shapes — can be included without reducing blast resistance. Most importantly, all our blast resistant structures are rated for blast overpressure ranging from 5 pounds per square inch (psi) to 20 psi.
To achieve these excellent blast overpressure ratings for our explosion proof structures, we manufacture them to meet some of the strictest industry standards, including:
- MIL-STD-622F military ballistic limit standards
- MIL-P-46593A military ballistic limit standards
- OSHA 1910.307 Explosion Resistant Structures guidelines
- Class 1, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, and G
- Class 2, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, and G
To ensure the structural integrity of our modular explosion resistant buildings, we regularly perform a range of different tests, including live ammonium nitrate fuel explosion tests, fragment-simulating projectile (FSP) tests, and V-50 tests. During V-50 testing, our blast resistant buildings are fired upon at increasing velocity until projectiles are blocked (or not blocked) at a 50-50 ratio, thus determining the maximum limit of protection.
To find out more about blast resistant buildings and explosion proof structures from Commercial Structures, review our specifications table below, or contact us to speak with one of our representatives.
Specifications Table
Capabilities | Assembly, Delivery, Design and Engineer, Fabrication, Inspection, Installation |
Applications | Access Control Booths, Battery Charging Enclosures, Guard Booths, Modular Detention Facilities |
Blast Resistant Construction Materials | Bulletproof Steel, Fiberglass |
Blast Overpressure | 5 psi to 20 psi |
Modular Building Weight | 1,200 lbs to 14,000 lbs |
Ceiling Height | 7′ to 10′ |
Standard Sizes | Length: 8′ to 40’Width: 8′ to 12′ |
Maximum Modular Structure Size | 40′ x 40′ |
Standard Window Size | 46″ x 27″ |
Standard Door Size | 36″ x 80″ |
Testing Capabilities | FSP Test, V50 Test |
Interior Wall Coverings | Beige, Calcutta Gray, Calcutta Tan |
Standard Interior Floor Coverings | Ebony, Nutmeg, Sesame |
Transaction Window Features | Arched Voice Ports, Circular Voice Ports, Horizontal Voice Ports, Rectangular Voice Ports, Vertical Voice Ports |
Finishes | Aluminum, Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP), Painted Steel, PVC, Vinyl |
Lead Time | 3 to 4 weeks from the time of order. |
Standards | Meet ballistic limits under MIL-STD-622F and MIL-P-46593A military standards. Explosion Resistant Structures are available in Class Division 1 & 2, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Built to uniform building code specifications (Can build to specific code requirements upon request.) All electrical components are UL listed & all wiring is per National Electric Code (latest edition). Buildings comply with the applicable rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission IC 22-15-4-2. |
Industries Served | Automotive, Distribution Centers, Energy, Government Buildings, Manufacturing, Medical/Dental, Military, Mining, Oil Drilling, Others, Prisons/Correction Facilities, Private/Public Schools, Recycling, Restaurants, Steel Mills, Universities |
Standard Specifications
Standard Features | 1/8″ Industrial Floor Tile, Complete Floor and Roof System, Diffused Lighting, Heavy Duty Vinyl Wall Covering, Interior Receptacles, More |
Standard Options | Acoustical Accordion Doors, Exhaust Fans, Heating and Air Conditioning, Hydraulic Door Closers, Sprinklers, Steel Doors, And More |
Perimeter Frame | Perimeter tubular 2″ x 6″ frame members (13 ga.) with structural steel “C” channel 2″ x 8″ set perpendicular to and inletted into side tubular bars. Channel is utilized as forkliftable slots for handling. All frame parts are coated with corrosive resistant (black) paint. |
Metal Weather Shield | Galvanized steel construction. The shield covers the entire floor assembly and is located between frame and underside of floor joists. |
Floor Joists | Joists are nominal 2 x 4 (1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″) spaced in a lateral configuration, 12″ O.C. Lumber is #2 SPF or better. |
Floor Insulation | Fiberglass batt-type insulation between floor joists is R-11 and entirely fills any and all voids. |
Floor Decking | 3/4″ thick A.P.A rated plywood is fastened securely to floor joists with glue and ring shank nails (spaced approximately 4″ O.C.). All seams are sanded smooth and filled as necessary. |
Floor Covering | Vinyl composition floor tile 1/8″ thick 12″ x 12″ squares are laid on the floor utilizing waterproof tile adhesive. Pattern full depth of tile. |
Wall Studs | Studs are nominal 2 x 4 (1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″) space 16″ O.C. Lumber is S.P.F. stud grade or better. Top plate is nominal 2 x 4 (1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″) fastened securely to studs. Bottom plate is nominal 2 x 4 (1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″) fastened securely to studs. |
Wall Insulation | Fiberglass batt-type insulation between studs is R-11 and entirely fills any and all voids. Total R-value is R-14 with sheathing. |
Interior Wall Covering | 1/2″ thick gypsum board with laminated vinyl covering is fastened to the inside of the studs with wide crown staples and gypsum adhesive; material has a class ‘A’ flame spread rating. 4″ vinyl base cover. |
Exterior Sheathing | Under steel siding structural sheathing is secured to entire exterior, per manufacturer’s recommendations. Sheathing is 1/8” structural thermo-ply. |
Roof Framing | Rafters are nominal 2 x 4 (1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″) spaced in lateral configuration 16″ O.C. Lumber is #2 SPF or better. |
Interior Ceiling | Ceiling material is 1/2″ gypsum with a white stucco pre-finish fastened securely to roof rafters with wide crown staples and screws. Material has a class ‘A’ flame spread rating. |
Roof Insulation | Fiberglass batt-type insulation between roof rafters is R-11 and entirely fills any and all voids. |
Exterior Roof Sheathing | The top side of the rafters has 7/16″ sheathing fastened to roof rafters. Covered completely with a 4 mil. Polyvinyl vapor barrier. |
Roof Covering | 30 ga. Galvanized steel construction. Roof metal covers entire roof assembly. |
Exterior Siding | Galvanized steel siding is 29 ga. Pre-finished (on both sides) commercial type with appropriate top and bottom trim fastener securely to studs. Seven standard colors are available. 40-year guarantee. |
Windows | Windows are fixed glass (picture) type, double insulated glazing with vinyl extrusion around the perimeter. Windows are secured in place and sealed with a silicone-based sealant. Glazing is double 1/8″. Sliding windows are optional. |
Exterior Doors | Doors are a sandwich type construction with 0.019 aluminum on both faces and an interior core of foam and wood perimeter. A welded aluminum extrusion surrounds the assembly. This assembly is in turn pre-hung in an aluminum frame equipped with heavy-duty metal hinges. Door lite is fixed tempered glass single pane. Heavy-duty door closure included. |
Full Depth Fork Pockets | All sizes 2 1/2″ x 8″ structural ‘C’ channel (3 1/2″ x 7″ opening). |
Interior Light Fixtures | All light fixtures are 4′-0″ (four foot) T8 twin tube with an acrylic wrap-around type diffuser cover. |
Interior Ceiling Height | The dimension from the finished floor surface to the finished ceiling surface is 7′-0″ (seven foot). 8′ optional with 2 x 4 wall studs and R-11 insulation. Total R-value is R-14 with sheathing. |
Electrical Service Panel | Pre-wire service entrance panel is equipped with a 60-amp main breaker, a 15-amp breaker (for lights), an additional 20-amp breaker (for receptacles), and any additional breakers necessary. Entrance conduit is through the exterior wall for ease of hook-up. All electric components UL listed and wired to National Electrical Code. Standard service is 240/120V, single-phase, 60 cycles. |
Durability and Weather Resistant Features
Rain and Moisture Protection Options | All Speed Space buildings are designed for inside or outside use. Galvanized steel roof and under floor sheathing, double insulated glass windows, vapor barrier, moisture-proof sheathing assures excellent humidity control. |
Wind, Cold, and Heat Insulation Options | Steel siding, structural thermal sheathing, full 3 1/2″ insulation and thermal windows guarantee comfortable temperatures, even in the most severe weather. |
Fire Resistant Options | Steel siding, roof and under floor sheathing, as well as gypsum interior, give Speed Space buildings a class ‘A’ flame spread rating on all surfaces. Sprinkler systems and totally non-combustible units available. |
Noise Control Options | Structural sheathing, gypsum interior, and thermal windows create a decibel drop in the 25 to 30 decibel range, standard with windows and doors. For extreme conditions, optional sound control is available (triple-glazed windows, soundboard, and carpeting). |
Damage Protection Options | Exterior steel siding with baked finish on both sides (40-year guarantee), structural sheathing, 1/8″ industrial floor tile, heavy-duty vinyl interior walls, and a 4″ rubber base molding all help to control accidental or deliberate damage. Doors are heavy-duty with kick plate, lite, and closure. |
Floor Insulation | Fiberglass batt-type insulation between floor joists is R-11 and entirely fills any and all voids. |
The Century Series Modular Building
Features | Available in All of Our Same Great Color Selections, Crisp Clean Lines, Durable clad aluminum construction with high density polypropylene core, Excellent Thermal Stability, Light Weight and Water Resistant, Low Profile Trim Packages, No Exposed Fasteners, Sharp Details, Smooth exterior siding |