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FACILITY LIMITATIONS
Structurally and functionally,
we must acknowledge the limitations of design/construction
capabilities versus advanced weaponry. A semi direct hit within a few
miles by any nuclear weapon will almost assuredly destroy the facility. If
the facility escapes the direct burst, in the instant of explosion a
strong radiation of heat and light is emitted, simultaneously the initial
nuclear radiation begins. A one megaton blast equals one million tons of
TNT and will cause fires  and
physical destruction for a radius from 5 to 7 miles. The blast wave
strikes the shelter and with its arrival a wind several times stronger
than a hurricane ( a 50 psi overpressure is accompanied by a 1000 mph
wind) begins and continuous for several seconds until the weapon’s
excess pressure is expended. The designs of structures above 14.7 psi are
usually governed by protection against initial nuclear radiation rather
than blast overpressure. If the blast wave directly hits a flat surface
then reflected overpressure is created which can be up to 8 times as large
as the initial overpressure. Also, after the blast wave has passed there
will be a reverse flow of wind creating a negative pressure that will
produce forces in the opposite direction. Any flammable materials exposed
to the thermal effect will immediately catch fire. Whether or not the
above ground portions of the facility will remain intact will depend on
the distance from the burst, height of the burst, strength of the burst,
layout of the ground and structural make up of the facility. If the weapon
is in contact with the ground (a surface burst), some of the blast energy
is transmitted directly into the ground, and produces compression and
shear motions which propagate radially outward from the explosion. The
underground portions of the facility offers the best protection however, no
one system is going to be the best system in all environments under all
circumstances and considering all budgets.
At the time of the burst large quantities of  debris,
dust and whole sections of buildings, bridges and structures are hurled
through the air from the shock wave. These present some of the greatest
dangers to the facility and could result in structural penetrations or
total collapse. Carbon monoxide poisoning killed most of the people in
basement shelters in World War II. Therefore, the underground portions of
the facility must be provided with either escape tunnels, escape shafts,
concussion proof escape passages or escape chimneys and must be
accessible/operational during total power failure. At Hardened Structures
LLC we utilize only Temet® blast doors, blast valves, overpressure
valves, NBC-filters, ground shock isolators, exhaust blast valves, and
escape hatches. All exposed flammable material will be ignited by the heat
wave however, the facility will withstand the accompanying fires but not
for an extended duration of the immediate surroundings. Our Apocalypse
House/Shelter designs incorporate a combination of governmental
recommended design features, the latest "FireX Blast Fortification
Cladding" customized imbedded components and are expressly tailored
to the individual site characteristics and our Client’s concerns.
In certain circumstances we can incorporate the BARTON
APD SHELTER as a core component of an overall reinforced Apocalypse House.
Programming for the APOCALYPSE HOUSE
There are four Program Phases for the Apocalypse House; Peace Time, Pre-Attack, Attack
Period and Post Attack/Recovery. Each Phase has specific design
requirements and corresponding Owner’s procedures that are tailored to
the individual Client’s occupant load and threat identification. The
greatest applied force threatening the Apocalypse House will be generated
by nuclear weapons but will also include secondary threats by chemical,
biological and conventional weapons. Although the designs are principally
determined for nuclear weapons it can be established that a good nuclear
shelter offers good protection against chemical, biological and
conventional weapons whereas the converse is not always true. Depending on
the Home’s location, other design concerns are; landslides caused by the
explosion (air pressure creates a pressure wave in the ground similar to
an earthquake), flooding and rockfall. Obviously a structure of this
fashion also protects against almost all of the natural disasters
(hurricanes, tornadoes, etc) normally encountered. Additionally, these
homes must also function like our typical Hardened Structures Home, acting as
a stand alone supplier for: electrical, heating, cooling, water, food
storage/growing/processing, sewage disposal and other specific client
required options.
These facilities are protected against the main effects of nuclear
weapons; blastwave, vibrations, radiation fallout and EMP. Furthermore, it
must be assured that no chemical agents or radioactive fallouts penetrate
the facility thus necessitating the installation of specialized filters in
series, explosion protection valves, armored pressure doors and continuous
positive internal air pressure. After blast protection, radiation
protection is the major objective in shelter design, primarily with
initial radiation, the highly penetrating nitrogen captured gamma rays,
fission product gamma rays and neutrons. There are two methods of
providing radiation protection; barrier shielding and geometry, the
Apocalypse House utilizes both. The Radiation Shielding Information Center
at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the national clearing house for
all shielding codes developed in this country and most of the western
world. The nominal air quantities must also be sufficient to provide
acceptable climatic conditions within the facility taking into account:
- maintaining positive internal air pressure to insure against contaminants
- the CO2-concentration remains low and enough oxygen is provided.
- temperature and humidity limits are acceptable
- there is no unacceptable disturbance by odors
- sufficient air for circulation in the air locks during filter operation
Design / Programming for Phases
Phase One, Peace Phase : During peacetime the Apocalypse House should be used as a
primary residence incorporating the characteristics of our advanced Hardened
Structures Home. These features include a Climatic Building Design
utilizing passive and active solar features, electrical generating
systems, pumps and other alternative energy that are all designed to the
site situation and compliments its settings renewable energy to the
fullest. A Technology infrastructure to accommodate: external data,
telephone, Smart House controls, internal data, close circuit TV,
satellite receiver, short and long range communications equipment,
air/threat sensors and defensive controls. The Apocalypse House is a stand
alone habitant designed to operate without local power, water, sewage or
other utilities and to protect and sustain its occupants indefinitely.
Phase Two, Pre-Attack Phase : The time between the recognition and
arrival of approaching bombs or threats must be assumed to be very short
and not sufficient to move into the House. If the House is not to be
utilized as the client’s primary home, then special access,
transportation, routes and contingency plans will be established. The
activities, equipment and resources associated with the Pre-Attack Phase
are directly related to the specific characteristics of the Client’s
Apocalypse House and are both confidential and propriety. However, in
general they can be described as:
- Evacuation of all objects unnecessary to Home occupancy/defense.
- Introduction of all necessary supplies (not already in place) such as food, sanitary supplies, communication equipment, spare parts, medicine, batteries, tools and weapons.
- Sealing of all openings, checking protective measures, securing solar/wind components, protecting personal vehicles and filter system check.
Until an actual attack or an "All
Clear" is announced, several days or weeks may pass. During this
phase of occupation there should be limited traffic between the House and
the outside world only to permit the execution of the most important work
as well as the resupply of vital items.
Phase Three, Attack Phase : This is the phase when the House is
actually subjected to the effects of weapons such as: blasts, fires,
shocks, air pressures, primary radiation, concussion, falling debris,
shrapnel, small arms fire and gas. As stated previously, the above ground
portions of the House will not withstand a semi-direct hit by a nuclear
weapon. With conventional weapons, protection is offered against
concussions and fragments which fall within a distance corresponding to
approximately the conical radius of the explosion to the yield of the
weapon; ie 500 meters for a 500 lb bomb.
During the Attack phase (usually 2 to 15 minutes) most of the electrical
and mechanical systems will shut down for protection. The exception will
be the constant positive air pressure being maintained by artificial
ventilation in the interior of the House/Shelter to offer added protection
against the penetration of radiation, biological or chemical agents. The
design characteristics, capabilities and life sustaining abilities of the
Apocalypse House are based on governmental recommendations, established
engineering principals and our Client’s requirements. Our approach,
methodology and execution are state of the art; however, remain
confidential and proprietary.
Phase Four, Post-Attack/Recovery Phase : If a nuclear explosion has occurred within several miles of the House,
or upwind, a stay within the House for several days or weeks must be
assumed. The majority of radioactive particles will settle within 24
hours, but very fine particles falling from extreme altitudes may take
weeks, months or even years. All Hardened Structures Homes are equipped for
long term survivability and sustain ability. Additionally, the Apocalypse
House is equipped with exterior radiation, chemical and biological sensors
along with portable radiological equipment. The Federal Guidance manuals
for Emergency Radiation Measurements and several other manuals, guidelines
and how-to-survive-post-attack scenarios are included within the Home.
A core requirement for ensured sustain ability is the customized, Occupant
Post Attack/ Recovery Plan included with every Apocalypse House. This
strategic Plan is tailored to the capabilities and resources of the
Apocalypse House, the surrounding site, renewable energy, food/water
sources, population demographics and future threats. The specialized
components and resources installed by Hardened Structures LLC
within our Apocalypse House are designed to make this prolonged stay as
comfortable as possible.
There Is No Doubt That The Apocalypse House
Is the BEST Insurance For You And Your Family
CONCLUSION
Hardened Structures / Hardened Shelters LLC makes no predictions as to what, if anything, or when or
where any disasters, natural or man made, will occur. Our primary mission
is to provide homes designed to withstand severe storms, to operate
independently and to protect and sustain your family. We neither offer nor
express any beliefs concerning future events, weather patterns, religious
prophecies or sociological transformations. We are professional engineers,
architects and construction managers providing a specialized product which
offers the insurance for continued quality of life during worse case
scenarios. Our services can range from: preliminary site evaluation,
consultation with your Architect, security analysis or, to the full
Design/Build Package. Please review the Background, Design Philosophy and
Process pages of our web site and if you would like further information
please E-MAIL us. |
