Debris Impact Testing

Based on 30 years of post-disaster investigations of tornadoes and hurricanes, researchers at Texas Tech University concluded by 1999 that the missile that best represents tornado wind-borne debris is likely to perforate common building assemblies is a 2×4 weighing up to 15 pounds. The required design wind speed of 250mph would result in the 2×4 traveling at 100mph.

Texas Tech University, National Wind Institute Debris Impact Facility constructed one of the first test labs to recreate these conditions. It is this reason that most of the impact tests have been conducted at this facility in past years for members of NSSA.

In recent years other laboratories in addition to Texas Tech have been set up to provide impact and pressure testing for safe room components.

The NSSA has an approved list of testing laboratories, they are as follows:

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY- NWI Debris Impact Facility (DIF)

1009 Canton Avenue
Lubbock, TX 79409

Contact: Tammy Pitzer, DIF Office Manager (806) 834-8604 OR
Larry Tanner-DIF Manager (806) 834-2320

The TTU NWI DIF is an A2LA accredited ISO/IEC 17025-2005 test laboratory.  TTU NWI DIF offers accredited storm shelter, safe room, commercial and residential door, window, and other components testing in accordance with FEMA 320, FEMA 361 and ICC-500, including structural performance of exterior doors, windows, curtain walls, and skylights by Uniform Static Air pressure testing, determining the ability of elements of the building envelope to remain unbreached during severe windstorm event, including hurricanes or tornadoes.

DIF personnel will upon request forward information on the cost of their services and test schedules pertaining to your specific product

For a list of testing protocols and reports on tested shelters, shelter doors, or other components, please visit the link below:

Reports updated by TTU-NWI Debris Impact Facility
Questions regarding any of these reports should be directed to tammy.pitzer@ttu.edu.

INTERTEK-ATI BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION:

UL LLC- Building Envelope Test Lab

1909 10th Street, Suite 100
Plano, TX 75074

Phone: (469) 814-0687

Contact: John H. Waskow, P.E.-Operations Director OR
Sierra Conner, Program Engineer/Wind Storm Specialist

Intertek-ATI offers accredited safe room and shelter testing in accordance with FEMA P-361 and ICC/NSSA 500, including static and cyclic pressure testing, to establish the ability to meet wind pressure requirements set forth in the standard(s).

Testing can also be conducted to determine water infiltration, blast loading and ballistic resistence.

Intertek-ATI is a third-party independent and fully accredited by IAS to ISO 17025.

U/L BUILDING MATERIALS-IMPACT TESTING AND CYCLYING TESTING SERVICES:

750 Anthony Trail
Northbrook, IL 60036

Phone: (847) 664-4224

Contact: Wayne Breighner, Engineering Manager