Debris driven by high winds presents the greatest hazard to homeowners and their homes during tornadoes and hurricanes.
Laboratory testing at the Wind Engineering Research Center, Texas Tech University, compared the impact resistance of residential concrete wall construction to conventionally framed walls. The frame walls failed to stop the penetration of airborne hazards. The concrete walls successfully demonstrated the strength and mass to resist the impact of wind-driven debris.
What was tested?
Various wall specimens were subjected to the impact of a 2 x 4 wood stud traveling at up to 100 miles per hour.
This is equivalent to the weight and speed of debris generated during a tornado with 250 miles per hour winds.
This testing covers the maximum wind speed generated in 99 per cent of the tornadoes occurring in the United States. Wind speeds are less than 150 miles per hour in 90 per cent of tornadoes.
Ten wall specimens were constructed, each representative of the type of construction now used to build frame homes and concrete homes in the U.S. Tables 1 & 2 describe each wall assembly tested.
The Wind Engineering Research Center’s compressed air cannon was used to propel the wood stud debris “missile” at the test walls. The stud was propelled along its axis with the leading end hitting the specimen. Electronic timing devices measured the speed of the debris as it traveled from the cannon to the test walls located 16’-6″ away.
How did the frame walls perform?
The frame walls lacked the weight and mass to resist the impact of the wind driven debris. In each case, the debris traveled completely through the wall assembly with little or no damage to the “missile.”
Table 1: Frame Wall Test Results:
| Wall Type: | Test Wall Description: | Speed of Debris: | Results: |
| Wood Frame: | 5/8″ gypsum board interior finish, 2 x 4 wood studs at 16″ o.c., 3-1/2″ batt insulation, 3/4″ plywood sheathing, vinyl siding exterior finish. | 109.0 mph | The debris “missile perforated completely through the wall assembly. Little damage to missile. |
| 5/8″ gypsum board interior finish, 2 x 4 wood studs at 16″ o.c., 3-1/2″ batt insulation, 3/4″ plywood sheathing, 4″ brick veneer with 1″ air space. | 69.4 mph | The debris “missile perforated completely through the brick veneer, and the interior finish. Minor damage to missile. | |
| Steel Frame: | 5/8″ gypsum board interior finish, steel studs at 16″ o.c., 3-1/2″ batt insulation, 3/4″ plywood sheathing, vinyl siding exterior finish. | 103.5 mph | The debris “missile perforated completely through the wall assembly. Little damage to missile. |
| 5/8″ gypsum board interior finish, 2 x 4 wood studs at 16″ o.c., 3-1/2″ batt insulation, 5/8″ gypsum board sheathing, synthetic stucco exterior finish. | 50.9 mph | The debris “missile perforated completely through the wall assembly. No damage to missile. |
How did the concrete walls perform?
The concrete stopped the debris from traveling through the wall. Exterior finishes were damaged by the impact, but the concrete walls were unscathed. Even the narrowest, 2″ thick section of “waffle grid” ICF wall was undamaged by the direct impact of the debris at over 100 mph.
Table 2: Concrete Wall Test Results:
| Wall Type: | Test Wall Description: | Speed of Debris: | Results: |
| Concrete: | 6″ thick reinforced concrete wall, #4 vert. reinforcing bars, 12″ o.c. No finishes. | 109.0 mph | No cracking, front face scabbing or back face spalling of concrete observed. |
| 6″ thick reinforced concrete wall, #4 vert. reinforcing bars, 24″ o.c. No finishes. | 102.4 mph | No cracking, front face scabbing or back face spalling of concrete observed. | |
| ICF: | Block ICF foam forms, 6″ thick flat concrete wall, #4 vert. reinforcing bars, 12″ o.c. Vinyl siding. (Tested a second time with similar results.) | 103.8 mph | Debris penetrated vinyl siding and foam form. No cracking, front face scabbing or back face spalling of concrete wall observed. |
| Block ICF foam forms, 6″ thick flat concrete wall, #4 vert. reinforcing bars, 24″ o.c. 3″ brick veneer with ties spaced 1′-0″ ea.way. | 99.0 mph | Debris penetrated and cracked brick veneer. Foam form dented. No cracking, front face scabbing or back face spalling of concrete wall observed. | |
| Panel ICF foam forms, 4″ thick flat concrete wall, #4 vert. reinforcing bars, 24″ o.c. vinyl siding. | 96.7 mph | Debris penetrated vinyl siding and foam form. No cracking, front face scabbing or back face spalling of concrete wall observed. | |
| Block ICF foam forms, variable thickness “waffle” concrete wall, 6″ max. thickness, and 2″ min. thickness. #4 vert. reinforcing bars in each 6″ vertical core at 24″ o.c. Synthetic stucco finish. (Tested a second time with similar results.) | 100.2 mph | Debris penetrated synthetic stucco finish, and foam form. Impact of wall at 2″ thick section. No cracking, front face scabbing or back face spalling of concrete wall observed. |
Note: All concrete tested: 3000 PSI compressive strength, maximum aggregate size 3/4″, 6″ slump.
What about damage from hurricanes?
Hurricane wind velocities will be less than the equivalent maximum speeds modeled in these tests. Missile testing designed to mitigate property damage losses from hurricanes use a criterion of a 9-pound missile traveling about 34 miles per hour.
What’s the bottom line?
The strength and durability of concrete walls formed with ICFs offer unmatched resistance to the devastation of major storms. Concrete homes are less likely to suffer major damage from debris than conventionally framed houses. This greater measure of built-in safety makes ICF construction the quality choice for your new home.
