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Guide to Blast-Resistant Design
Thursday, December 9, 2021 9:09 pm Leave a Comment
Many types of structures need to be built with a strategy for mitigating explosive blast-related damage. Depending on the situation, a building’s exterior or interior may be more at risk of damage due to blast-induced threats and require specialized design. As a modular building design innovator, Module X Solutions develops secure, protective designs for the world’s most severe and challenging threats. In this blog post, we will identify blast-resistant design characteristics and discuss their benefits and applications.

What Is Blast-Resistant Design?

A blast-resistant design incorporates damage mitigation strategies into a structure, with the aim of protecting people and equipment in the event of an accidental or intentional explosion. Blast-resistant design begins at a structure’s concept stage and, after careful modeling, material selection, and other steps, delivers an architecturally appealing structure with improved blast resistance.

Blast-resistant building design considers criteria such as:
- Strategies to mitigate risk and isolate the blast, as well as the best types of engineering materials
- How certain materials behave under blast overpressure and excessive loading
- The functionality and safety of the structure after an explosion
Additionally, blast-resistant building designs must be developed with consideration for certain regulations and guidelines. For example, while there is no global standard for blast-resistant structures, there are recommended best practices. The American Petroleum Institute (API) provides several guidelines, such as API 752 and API 753. The American Society of Civil Engineers also provides guidance for blast-resistant designs (ASCE 41088).

Also referred to as Blast Resistant Modules, a blast-resistant building is a reinforced structure specially designed to reduce harm to the personnel and equipment it contains in the event of an explosion. These structures are particularly common within petrochemical plants, chemical processing, and manufacturing facilities, as well as defense sites and oil refineries.

What Are the Benefits and Applications of Blast-Resistant Design?

A typical building design does not factor potential blast impacts into its development. In general structures, if an explosion were to occur, the blast could produce a greater overload than the structure was designed to withstand. This can lead to fatalities, severe building damage, significant adverse health effects, and many other negative consequences.

In comparison, blast-resistant design provides numerous benefits, including:
- Physical assets including staff and equipment are protected in case of a catastrophic event.
- A company’s liability is reduced due to the measures it took in advance to keep the workplace safe.
- Lost time spent retrieving tools or other equipment is reduced.
- Time spent exposed to hazards is reduced.
- Modular buildings offer flexibility to add additional sections or stack to save space.
- Modular blast-resistant designs provide mobility to be moved after the structure has been placed.
- Structures can be built off-site and transferred to the final location for assembly.
Blast-resistant modules provide security and protection for a large number of highly versatile applications, including:
- Ops shelters
- Control rooms
- Guard shacks and security buildings
- Changing rooms and restrooms
- Lunchrooms and break rooms
- Permit buildings
- Labs with fume hoods
- Water labs
- Process buildings
Blast-Resistant Design Solutions from Module X Solutions

Module X Solutions provides improved blast-resistant building design using proprietary technology. The X-Gap Deformation Barrier engineered solution is the most protective and safe design available in the marketplace. X-Gap prevents furniture, equipment, and other objects inside a structure from becoming projectiles in the event of an explosion.
The Module X Solutions standard for projectiles can be applied to any building we manufacture. We can also provide new projectile engineering to meet even the most challenging design requirements. As an industry leader in protective shelter design, Module X Solutions meets or exceeds all relevant design parameters, including:
- ASCE 2010 2nd Edition Design of Blast Resistant Buildings in Petrochemical Facilities
- API RP-752/753
- NFPA 70 – NEC
- NFPA 496 – Electrical Classification
- IBC 2021
Gain Superior Protection With Custom Blast-Resistant Modules

There are many situations where a structure encounters the threat of a potential blast, either from inside or outside the building. Developing solutions for the unique criteria of each site is critical in protecting human life as well as expensive equipment in these situations. Good blast-resistant design incorporates projectile engineering and results in a modifiable, versatile structure with strong protection capabilities in the event of a catastrophic event.

Module X Solutions is a leader in blast-resistant design and develops customized solutions from our 700,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility. We serve an extensive selection of demanding industries, providing structurally superior protective products. To learn more, contact us today, or get started on your solution by requesting a quote.
Concrete Shelter Manufacturer
Monday, October 25, 2021 4:42 pm Leave a Comment
At Module X Solutions, we specialize in designing and manufacturing concrete shelters for utility infrastructure, telecom applications, remote instrument enclosures, fiber huts, and many more modular building applications. We also offer installation and integration services for turnkey solutions. Our standard lightweight precast concrete shelters are built with exposed aggregate, but we can provide alternative exterior finishes in painted concrete, brick stencil or veneer, panel siding, cinder block, or other facade designs to match existing site architecture. Other manufacturing options we offer include fiberglass-reinforced concrete lightweight interlocking steel modular buildings or other hybrid manufacturing methodologies.

All of our engineered protective building solutions are built to comply with applicable safety and industrial regulations, including ACI 318-95, AISC, BOCA, IBC, NEC, SBC, and UBC. We also provide shelters with the structural integrity to withstand Category 5 scenarios with up to 150 mph winds. Our concrete shelters are available in single and multi-module configurations, and they can be designed to meet fire rating and ballistic requirements.

Applications for Concrete Shelters

We can design and manufacture concrete shelters for the following applications:

Concrete Telecom Shelters

Our fiberglass reinforced or lightweight reinforced concrete telecom shelters provide long-lasting service, typically lasting over 30 years with proper care. Both options provide resistance to wind, ammunition, and fire threats. Available in different size and design options including single or multi-piece layouts. Lightweight reinforced shelters are particularly ideal for remote site locations such as raw land, or mountain tops. The lightweight concrete design can save in transport and crane costs. Click here to learn more about our telecom enclosures.

Fiber Huts

Our unique and highly specialized fiber regeneration huts or colocation facilities are strategically positioned to reduce latency issues by housing and protecting equipment that quickly delivers data content. Although our standard fiber huts are constructed using concrete, we also offer metal construction options. Our specific capabilities for fiber huts include design, engineering, manufacturing, and site support services.

Remote Instrument Enclosures

Our remote shelter enclosures can house fully-integrated remote systems and motor control stations. In addition, these structures protect instruments from anything from heat to ballistics and other environmental conditions. Our enclosures can be manufactured with precast concrete, light gauge steel, or welded steel options.

Our design and engineering team can also create custom modular shelters. These concrete shelters can be single or multi-room and also come standard rated for level IV ballistic, 2 hr fire, storm, and wind resistance.

Exterior Finishes

It’s important to choose the right exterior finish based on your environment, intended application and required safety ratings. At Module X Solutions, our concrete shelters can be outfitted with the following exterior finish options:
- Brick stencil or veneer
- Customized paint options with a smooth finish
- Fluted concrete
- Hardy panel siding
- Standard exposed strained aggregate finish
Integration and Installation

Along with designing and building our unique concrete shelters and enclosures, we offer installation and integration with your existing equipment. First, we test that the shelter is fully operational and meets safety requirements before it is shipped to the installation site. We can install and integrate specialized equipment, including customer-furnished equipment (CFE), to provide a turnkey solution that is plug and play, allowing minimal site work, resulting in faster online implementation, which saves time and money in the field.

Choose Module X Solutions for Concrete Shelter Manufacturing

Choosing the right concrete shelter is an important investment in protecting on-site equipment, utilities, and remote access points. At Module X Solutions, we offer complete concrete shelter manufacturing with design, build, installation, and integration services. Contact our team today to learn more about our capabilities or request a quote to get started.
An Intro to API RP-752 and API RP-753
Thursday, October 14, 2021 7:38 pm Leave a Comment
There are no federal laws regulating what measures a facility needs to take to maintain a protected environment in the event of an explosion. However, the American Petroleum Institute (API) has established recommended practices (RP) that serve as guidelines on, among other topics, how to manage hazards associated with blast events. The two standards pertaining to blast-resistant buildings are API RP-752 and API RP-753.

The following article goes into more detail on API RP-752 and API RP-753. It outlines what they cover, how they differ, and how they discuss vapor cloud explosions (VCEs).

What Are API RP-752 and API RP-753?

Established in 1919, the American Petroleum Institute is a trade association that represents all facets of the natural gas and oil industry. They promote safety and weigh in on public policy within the United States. Among their vast collection of RPs are API RP-752 and API RP-753. These standards outline procedures for permanent and portable buildings that focus on ensuring personnel are as safe as reasonably possible from fires, explosions, and the potential release of toxic hazards.
- API RP-752 was first released in 1995. It covers how to manage hazards associated with permanent structures in fixed locations. It was originally developed for use at natural gas liquids extraction and liquefaction plants, petrochemical and chemical plants, refineries, and other onshore facilities covered by the OSHA Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals, 29 CFR 1910.119.
- API RP-753 was first released in 2007. It covers how to manage hazards associated with portable buildings that are conventionally not constructed for blast or fire resistance.
Some of the topics covered within these standards include:
- Personnel regulations: Personnel should be located away covered process areas when possible.
- Occupied buildings: Buildings are considered occupied if they have assigned personnel or regularly have personnel come to them. They should be designed, constructed, installed, and maintained to protect occupants against possible hazards. Additionally, the use of occupied buildings close to covered process areas should be minimized, especially during periods of increased risk (e.g., unit start-up or planned shutdown operations).
- Existing buildings: Existing buildings that fail to meet the criteria should have a proper mitigation plan documented and implemented for any issues uncovered during an evaluation for as long as they are in use.
How Are API RP-752 and API RP-753 Different?

API RP-752 and API RP-752 are highly similar. They are both meant to protect personnel against the same potential hazards—i.e., explosions, fires, and toxic contamination. The key difference between them is the type of building they cover. API RP-752 focuses on permanent buildings, while API RP-753 focuses on portable buildings.

How Do API RP-752 and API RP-753 Cover VCE?

Click to Enlarge

One of the main explosive scenarios covered in API RP-752 and API RP-752 is vapor cloud explosion (VCEs). VCEs occur when the following conditions are met:
1. A flammable material is released.
2. The material forms a flammable cloud by mixing with air.
3. The cloud continues to grow.
4. The cloud reaches a source of ignition, such as an open flame.
5. The flames are accelerated by congestion.
Any building that carries the possibility or likelihood of encountering a VCE scenario should have its blast load calculated. This value determines how it should respond.

Schedule Your Facility Planning Consultation With Module X Solutions Today

While API RP-752 and API RP-753 provide general guidelines on how to keep personnel safe from explosions, fires, and toxic materials in permanent and portable buildings. Your facility siting info can assist to support and develop a more targeted approach. The results of the evaluation and requirements can uncover any problem areas where personnel safety is at risk, allowing facility owners or operators to implement appropriate solutions before an accident can occur. Module X Solutions can further assist in guiding and ensuring you’re on the right path by taking all factors into consideration for an optimal streamlined solution.

Interested in learning about an optimal building design? The experts at MXS are here to help! Equipped with extensive experience designing and manufacturing blast-resistant buildings, our engineering team has the knowledge and skills to properly assess a solution to meet and/and or exceed your unique site and facility requirements. Contact us or request a quote to get started.
What Is a Blast Resistant Modular Building?
Tuesday, July 6, 2021 7:06 pm Leave a Comment

Blast resistant modules (BRM) are modular buildings that are designed to withstand significant explosions, keep personnel safe, and protect valuable equipment from hazardous environments such as oil refineries or chemical processing plants. Blast resistant modular buildings from Module X Solutions are constructed with thick steel walls that can sustain and contain high blast pressure. Electrical components, plumbing conduits, and other building equipment can also meet explosion resistant classifications.

Blast Resistant Modules

Regulations for Blast Resistant Buildings

While no official regulations are governing the construction of BRMs, The American Petroleum institute laid out the following recommended practices:
- API RP-752. This provides guidance for managing risks associated with fires, explosions, and toxic material releases to on-site personnel located in new and existing buildings intended for occupancy.
- API RP-753. This provides guidance for decreasing the risk to personnel located in portable buildings from potential fires, explosions, and toxic release hazards.
Standard Blast Parameters

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a building that is truly “blast-proof.” Depending on the strength and duration of the blast, or the building’s proximity to the explosion, it is possible that any building structure will fail. A blast-resistant building minimizes destruction while maximizing protection. Module X Solutions creates blast resistant modular buildings that withstand certain and specified blast parameters, including:
- Blast Overpressure. Over pressure refers to the increase in local air pressure due to the blast event. Our BRMs have an interior and exterior steel wall with an air gap (“X GAP”) in between unless environmental codes require additional materials. When overpressure hits, the steel deforms to absorb the impact, similar to the crumple zone in a car. Our standard BRM offering withstands 8 PSI of free field overpressure.
- Duration. Blast duration refers to the time duration of the event, including the positive phase and the negative phase. MXS’ standard BRM offering withstands a blast duration of 200 milliseconds.
- Damage Response. The ASCE outlines three Damage Responses for practical blast engineering. Our standard BRM offering features Medium Damage Response.
Module X Solutions can design a BRM to meet specific client specifications. We offer a range of designs/layouts, materials, and components. If a minimal blast protection requirement is needed, our concrete product offering could be a great fit for this application. Precast concrete protective buildings are also economical solutions for building needs outside of the blast zone.

Benefits of Blast Resistant Buildings

Benefits achieved with blast resistant modular buildings include:
- Protection. While the most important goal is the protection of personnel, a BRM is also designed to protect equipment and critical infrastructure assets.
- Mobility. Modular structures can be disassembled, moved, and reassembled in another location. Especially with multi-module buildings, MXS’ proprietary mechanical fastening system allows for a more economical installation or relocation.
- Liability. Taking additional steps to protect human lives and reduce injuries reduces corporate liability exposure.
- Customizability. Blast resistant modular building designs can be seamlessly modified in the design/engineering phase as needs change. Module X provides many resources and options to meet any project need or requirement.
How to Buy a Blast Resistant Modular Building

Module X Solutions provides blast resistant modular buildings in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet your exact specifications. Here are steps to guide your BRM selection process:
- Identify potential explosion sources and hazard zones in your current or anticipated facility
- List equipment and personnel that will be in each building
- Note any stationary or mobile modular requirements
- Determine size and containment requirements
- Determine if critical infrastructure will need to have an anchored or sliding design
- Develop or provide foundation design requirements or elements
- Set an estimated budget and timeframe
Contact Module X at the beginning of your planned project so we can help and assist you with all facets of the design process. If existing parameters are known or you need assistance determining and finalizing solutions, our experts will consult with your team , resolve your concerns, explain available options, and guide you through the process to find the blast resistant modular building solution that is right for your needs.

Blast Resistant Modular Buildings from Module X Solutions

Module X Solutions is a respected manufacturer of blast resistant modules. Our team has extensive design, engineering, and manufacturing experience, and we can provide and incorporate any number of customizable options into your BRMs. Visit our BRM capabilities page, request a quote, or contact us today for further information on our blast resistant modular buildings.