At Stone Panels, Inc., we understand that being ready for a natural disaster is of the upmost importance. Building reinforcement is a task we are called to do quite often since many structures around the country are still not suited to withstand a major weather disaster.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 14 weather and climate disasters occurred in 2011 that caused $1 billion or more in damage. While 2012 may not see as many storm, it’s still important to be prepared for the worst.
We’ve blogged about extreme weather predictions, such as earthquakes in the New Madrid Zone. Now in addition to earthquakes in the near future, tornadoes could potentially hit densely populated areas due to the conversion of rural land into suburban landscapes. Hurricanes are also a threat to coastal areas, which are becoming increasingly populated.
The NOAA states that we need to become a “Weather-Ready Nation.” The disastrous effects of these events can be prevented with preparations. One preparation being reinforcing building structures to withstand shifting foundations and to prevent the falling debris that often causes the most significant damage.
Stone Panels, Inc. manufactures its products to exhibit exceptional flexural strength, which is ideal for areas susceptible to natural disasters.
StoneLite® panels have been tested for hurricane wind loads and missile impact in accordance with Florida building codes TAS 201-94, TAS 202-94, TAS 203-94 and ASTM E 330. The panels resisted numerous large missile impacts from 8 foot long 2 X 4 wood studs traveling in excess of 50 ft per second. The panels deflected to absorb the load, but were neither penetrated or chipped. The StoneLite® panel assemblies also successfully withstood over 1,300 repetitions of 90 PSF design wind loading, followed by 135 PSF (150% of design wind pressure), all test criteria was met for Florida code acceptance.
StoneLite® Panels have passed shear tests, simulating seismic loading, conducted in accordance with ASTM E – 72. They have also passed full-scale seismic testing per CSTB Guidelines (France). In addition, these panels have been tested to resist up to 60 times more impact than solid 3 cm thick granite.
For more information about our fire, air and water infiltration, accelerated aging, blast testing and more, visit StonePanels.com or contact us directly.
