FEMA Window Attachment in CMU Storm Shelter Wall

[KHoff]

I received the email below from a contractor regarding a storm shelter structure.

The supplier of the FEMA windows has asked me to check and see if the wall where the FEMA windows are to be installed has a minimum CMU compressive strength of 2500 psi. The structural notes indicate a 1500 psi for the building in general.

The walls at the FEMA windows will need the 2500 psi min. in order to meet the FEMA certification requirements.

Has anyone ever seen a requirement for CMU strength for storm shelters? As far as I could tell there isn't anything in ICC 500. I'm wondering if this is a requirement specific to this window supplier and if I should tell the contractor to get the windows from someone else.

 

[JAE]

Never heard of that.

It may be as you suggested that the qualification testing they did on their product was with f'm = 2,500 psi masonry.
Or might they be referring to the UNIT's compressive strength rather than the masonry compressive strength?



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[JLNJ]

I'm guessing it's window specific since it would be based on actual tested assemblies.

F'm of 2500 psi is not all that high or difficult to achieve. Maybe you have it and don't even know it.