There’s a lot of confusion surrounding the use of blast-resistant buildings (BRBs) as traditional building replacements. If you’re planning construction at your facility, the answers to this pop quiz could help you save hundreds of thousands of dollars — not to mention countless lives.
Question No. 1: Is the design of a BRB limited to only prebuilt modules?
No. At RedGuard, we learned a long time ago a standard approach doesn’t fit everyone’s budget and timeline. That’s why we’ve developed a wide variety of BRB options that include LeaseFleet, one of the world’s largest fleets of successfully tested BRBs, and SafetySuite, a line of fully customizable, successfully tested BRBs. From flooring and wall coverings to custom cabinetry and restrooms — even your building’s ultimate size — we put the power in your hands.
Question No. 2: Are BRBs only for rush construction jobs?
No. While SafetySuites can be erected in a fraction of the time it takes for a traditional building — with fewer operational interruptions and permitting headaches — they also offer a significant cost savings compared to traditional construction and do a better job of protecting personnel and resources, making them a great solution for virtually every situation.
Question No. 3: Do BRBs lack the comfort and amenities of traditional buildings?
No. One look inside a SafetySuite and you’ll see a BRB can easily run the gamut from understated comfort to top-of-the-line luxury. At RedGuard, we let you choose from virtually all of the amenities available in a traditional brick and mortar office building and combine them with our unparalleled standards for strength and safety.
Question No. 4: Is a blast pressure rating the only important factor when looking for a BRB?
No. While blast pressure is a key component of the BRB design formula, duration and a building’s overall response level rating are what tell the real story of how a BRB will hold up to a blast. To put it simply, a blast pressure rating is meaningless if the BRB doesn’t sustain that rating throughout the blast event. So if you find a manufacturer offering a building with a 5- or 8-psi rating and a high response level rating, be warned you are in danger of suffering a high level of damage combined with a high risk of casualties.
One thing to look for in a good BRB is close and sturdy wall stud spacing. Thicker steel walls between widely spaced studs often indicate a high-damage building design. Other factors worth a closer look are nonstructural components, such as cabinetry, light fixtures, electrical/plumbing design and interior furnishings. After all, for a BRB to be safe, everything in it has to be specifically designed to handle a blast event.
Question No. 5: Is BRB design still experimental?
Yes and no. While blast engineering is a comparatively new science, RedGuard has worked side by side with some of the world’s most respected authorities while performing independent blast testing to prove our designs provide low-response results during blast events. At the same time, we continue to improve our units in terms of both safety and comfort, while ensuring our structures will offer protection during a blast event at a fraction of the cost and construction time of a traditional building.
For more information, contact RedGuard at (855) REDGUARD [733-4827] or email sales@redguard.com.
