Carbon Foam Safe Room Applications

A safe room is a small, windowless room built inside a structure designed to protect occupants from harm due to severe weather related threats such as tornadoes, tropical cyclones, or straight line winds.

CFOAM® carbon foam was recently tested in accordance with ASTM E 1886, “Standard Test Method for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Storm Shutters Impacted by Missile(s) and Exposed to Cyclic Pressure.” The test is a demonstration of requirements to build saferooms to FEMA 320 specifications. The picture and video on this page illustrate the ASTM E 1886 test performed for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at the National Homebuilders Research Center (NAHBRC) in which a 2”x4”x8’ No 2 Southern Pine missile was launched at a CFOAM carbon foam composite sandwich panel at 50ft/s.

The purpose was to simulate the impact of flying debris on single-family dwellings in hurricane- or tornado-prone areas. The CFOAM carbon foam composite panel suffered no appreciable damage and prevented the missile from passing through, thus exemplifying the impact-absorption capabilities of carbon foam. CFOAM carbon foam, because of its high strength, outstanding energy absorption, and non-combustibility in accordance with ISO 1182 standards, is an ideal material for use in the construction of safe rooms.

Please view our video of CFOAM® carbon foam undergoing
ASTM E 1886 testing for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.