Texas’ go-to source for precast concrete storm shelters

Speed Fab Crete has been involved with designing and constructing precast concrete storm shelters for the past decade. These structures are designed to provide “near-absolute protection” against wind events up to 250 MPH in accordance with ICC 500/FEMA P-361 standards. 
Our storm shelters feature wall panels that have been tested by Wind Debris Institute testing and certified by the National Storm Shelter Association and specialized double tees designed by our experienced precast engineer.

Uses

Most of Speed Fab Crete’s storm shelter projects have been built for schools and are designed to protect the student, faculty, and staff populations of up to several thousand people during an emergency weather event. We have constructed small safe rooms designed to protect employees of municipal facilities and community centers. We also have constructed community storm shelters to provide temporary shelter for the public. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your specific needs.

Optional Precast Features

While many of our storm shelter projects are cast with ‘gray’ concrete, we have the capability of adding form liners, integral color, and other aesthetic options. We also have the capability of providing insulated wall panels for storm shelters.

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View Our Storm Shelter Concrete Projects

Storm Shelter Process & Services

Speed Fab Crete’s storm shelters are custom-designed according to the needs of our clients. We typically begin with a set of bid documents prepared by an architectural/engineering firm. The storm shelters on these projects are typically handled on a ’delegated design’ basis. We work closely with our engineering partner to design this structure per the parameters shown in the bid documents and in conformance with ICC 500 standards. Speed Fab Crete then assists the General Contractor/Construction Manager in coordinating a submittal that incorporates the embedded items and penetrations needed by various trades (electrical, HVAC, storm-rated doors, etc.). This also involves specialized emergency access controls provided by other trades. The result is a comprehensive submittal package in conformance with the contract documents and ICC 500 standards.

Speed Fab Crete’s staff then assists the General Contractor or Construction Manager in coordinating a submittal that incorporates all of the embedded items and penetrations needed by various trades (electrical, HVAC, storm-rated doors, etc.) for a fully compliant ICC 500 shelter. This involves specialized emergency access controls provided by other trades. The result of this process is a comprehensive submittal package that can be approved by the Architect and Engineer in conformance with storm shelter standards.

As a design-build general contractor, Speed Fab Crete also has the ability to design safe rooms from scratch. We have completed several storm shelter projects using this approach.

Fabrication

Once our submittal has been approved, our drawings will be released to our production staff. Our storm shelters typically consist of precast wall panels and prestressed double tees. Our double tees are cast using a specialized mold fabricated specifically for storm shelter projects. Our production is overseen by a quality control team that is led by a PCI Level III inspector. (This is the highest level of certification available.) We are pleased that our production facility and staff have been awarded by the NPCA on multiple occasions.

Handling and Shipping

After fabrication, the precast members are stored at our production facility in Kennedale, Texas, until ready for shipment. The size and weight of the precast components require specialized handling equipment and customized trailers designed for hauling precast members up to 100’ long.

Erection

When called by the GC/CM, SFC works closely with an erection company that specializes in installing precast structures. Our Field Coordinator is a certified PCI Field Auditor.