Category Archive: Blast Resistant Modules

Concrete Shelter Manufacturer

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

Raytheon Balad Ext. 2

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.

What Is a Blast Resistant Modular Building?

Blast Resistant Modular Building in Calumet Superior, WI
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 of Blast Resistant BuildingsBenefits 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.