Cascade Architectural’ s Certified Blast & Projectile Protection Systems are Full-Scale Blast, Wind Pressure, and Large Missile Impact Tested. All systems are designed and constructed to prevent loss of life and serious injury while still maintaining all the aesthetic values expected of our systems. Our fully tested, patented, and approved blast and projectile protection systems include Guardian Grade Fabricoil wire mesh strategically positioned with engineered attachment hardware to catch and contain debris or projectiles in the event of an explosion or destructive high-wind events.
DYNAMIC BLAST PROTECTION FOR MINIMUM DoD UFC AND MODERATE TO HIGH ISC (GSA) BLAST LOADS
U.S. CORP OF ENGINEERS (USACE) UNIFIED FACILITIES GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS (SECTION 08 87 23.13) WINDOW RETROFIT SYSTSEMS
The core of these GSA-approved and DHS-certified systems is Guardian Grade Fabricoil® wire mesh that uniquely flexes in a ductile, predictive and repeatable way to absorb the force of the blast or projectile, rather than transmitting this force into the structural building components where it can harm people and property. The system spreads forces to larger surface areas to harmlessly divert energy and hazardous debris away from personnel and critical structural systems.
Guardian Grade Fabricoil® Validation Shock Tube Tests: University of Ottawa, June 2015
Cascade Architectural’ s Certified Blast & Projectile Protection Systems are perfect for new construction or retrofits. The systems meet most blast mitigation requirements and can be seamlessly integrated into the building design at any phase, enhancing aesthetics and providing invaluable protection of occupants. Our systems meet the building protection needs of many private sector companies, including those in the nuclear power arena. Common applications for Government, Manufacturing Facilities, Industrial Facilities, Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Sporting Venues, Financial Institutions, and Retail Storefronts include blast and projectile protection for Glazing, Doors, Overhead Doors, Pressure Test Enclosures, and Equipment/Infrastructure.
With a range of customizable design options, architects and designers easily meet the aesthetic requirements of their projects. The systems allow natural light to penetrate a space and give occupants an unobstructed view to the outside, all while maintaining the ability to encapsulate and contain high-speed debris.
Specifiers can combine functional attributes that fall outside of blast/projectile containment when working with Cascade. Due to Guardian Grade Fabricoil’ s range of functional attributes, the reliable protection systems also deliver solar control, energy savings, aesthetic value, and more – one system capable of providing several benefits to the end-user. Unlike some competitor products, Certified Blast & Projectile Protection Systems enhance interiors, eliminating “fortress-like” environments. Cascade remains committed to providing comprehensive safety measures that preserve the wellbeing of building occupants.
Our Certified Blast & Projectile Protection Systems can be seamlessly integrated into existing buildings, while enhancing aesthetics and improving occupant safety. Extreme loads, like blast-induced, generate significant structural demands that most buildings are not designed to withstand. Instead, most blast-resistant structures are designed to provide an acceptable level of protection based on the importance and use of that specific facility, allowing for a corresponding level of damage. Building owners need to retrofit these existing structures to produce a safer environment, but complete exterior replacements are typically too costly. As a viable and cost-effective alternative, “catcher systems,” like Cascade's Guardian Grade Fabricoil Systems, mitigate the hazardous debris from failed façade components before they penetrate the interior space and harm building occupants.
Beginning with the design phase, Cascade Architectural experts work in close collaboration with you to ensure your system achieves the desired functions and aesthetics. Throughout the process, we aid in the development of construction methodologies for a safe and reliable installation.
Our blast protection systems are also very important in areas prone to natural disasters, such as coastal environments or structures located in areas like “tornado alley". For disaster-prone areas of the world, our GSA-Approved and DHS-Certified systems provide protection from high-wind projectile impacts that shatter windows. Certified Blast and Projectile Protection Systems also contain fast-flying glass shards and façade debris resulting from hurricanes, earthquakes, and other catastrophic events.
Certified Blast & Projectile Protection Systems with Guardian Grade Fabricoil® wire mesh effectively absorb high-powered energy impacts by collapsing around the projectile before it can enter the interior space. With a secure installation, the reliable Cascade systems reduce the risk of injury and property damage.
The unique construction of Guardian Grade Fabricoil offers superior resistance to penetration by debris and projectiles. To penetrate the fabric, an item larger than the weave size must first flatten the mesh in all directions at the point of impact. In doing so, the projectile loses a great deal of energy and the threat of injury is substantially decreased.
The custom manufacturing of Certified Blast & Projectile Protection Systems facilitates design advantages for customers, producing a system to fits their exact needs. Although lightweight, Guardian Grade Fabricoil is a reliable solution to high-threat situations and offers installation cost savings because its relative low weight minimizes structural support requirements.
The fireproof Guardian Grade Fabricoil will not absorb oil, grease, and other liquids. It is also very easy to maintain for building owners and tends to shed dust. The material is extremely durable, but if damaged under significant blast loads, sections can be easily removed and replacements may be spliced in at the installation site.
Customizable coiled wire fabric coupled with our variety of wire and finish options adds a beautiful architectural element to any work environment or interior space. The open-weave design of Guardian Grade Fabricoil allows light into the work area and does not interfere with ventilation. For everyday needs, the wire mesh allows natural light into the space and provides views to the exterior for those inside.
Proven performance - One of the many examples of Guardian Grade Fabricoil in action is the University of Ottawa Shock Tube Test – subjecting the systems to blast loads and secondary debris from failed non-structural building envelope elements. During four tests (two with unreinforced masonry, and two with wet-glazed aluminum-framed windows) the Guardian Grade Fabricoil systems performed well. The coiled wire fabric was able to retain all major pieces of secondary debris, with only small fragments of dust and debris penetrating the material. Of course, the debris that did penetrate the fabric was smaller than the size of the weave and did not pose a significant threat.
BakerRisk conducted a total of six tests in response to typical blast loads commonly specified in U.S. government projects. The loads included short durations with peak pressures ranking from 4 to 10 psi. It was concluded that when properly supported and anchored, Guardian Grade Fabricoil meets ISC/GSA performance condition 3b in response to the typical low-level anti-terrorism blast load regime behind a ¼-in. annealed glass window. Across the board, similar tests also produced respectable results, ensuring building owners that Cascade Coil systems will protect occupants in the event of an attack or natural disaster.
Guardian Grade Fabricoil was subjected to VBIED blasts in an analytical study as a flexible catcher product and generally performed well from near range standoff distances typically found in urban environments. Of the 18 combinations evaluated, which included different façade window or wall types, mesh types, and mesh orientations, 13 provided a viable retrofit solution from a standoff distance of as close as 20 feet. The other 5 provided viable protection from a standoff distance of 30 feet. As a result, Guardian Grade Fabricoil wall retrofits were found to be acceptable for FSL III and IV facilities.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SAFETY Act 2017 both designation and certification.
Natural finish no powder coating.
Presentation is Paramount. Durable custom finishes for every component of your Fabricoil® system.
To deliver your design vision, Cascade Architectural offers high-performance protective coatings for Fabricoil® and its attachment systems to achieve your project’s functional and aesthetic requirements. Coatings are provided in a wide range of colors and finishes including custom colors using your manufacturers paint codes or to match standard RAL finishes. For maximum durability, all exterior Fabricoil® Systems are Powder Coated unless natural finishes are desired. Cascade has conducted extensive successful salt-spray testing to ASTM G85 annex A5 test standards to 4,000 hours of exposure. Stainless Steel and Copper-Clad Steel can be left in its natural form. Left unfinished, Copper-Clad Steel will slowly change to brownish hues and ultimately a bronze/grey/green patina. Our team of experienced product specialists are ready to assist you in selecting the appropriate type of protective coating to bring your vision to life.
Fabricoil weaves come equipped with high-performance protective coatings or may be left untouched for a natural metal finish, no powder coating necessary. Below are a list of raw materials used to create Fabricoil® weaves and a guide to their finishes.
Stainless Steel Type 316 exhibits very high levels of corrosion resistance when compared to most other stainless-steel types. It has a slightly higher strength than Type 304 and can handle higher temperatures. In most cases, Type 316 is used for all exterior applications where relatively high strengths and high resistance to oxidation or eroding is required. In its bare state, Type 316 has a lustrous metallic finish. Stainless Steel Type 316 conforms to ASTM standards and is available in a wide variety of wire gauges.
Brite Basic Steel Wire is a low-carbon, mild steel wire with a semi-bright finish. Its relatively high strength, durability and low cost make it a great choice for a wide variety of applications. Our Brite Basic Wire conforms to ASTM standards and can be coated almost any custom color. Brite Basic Steel is available in a wide variety of wire gauges.
All Fabricoil® weaves share the same fundamental geometry, created by interlocking individual strands of spiraled wire. What varies widely is Fabricoil’s scale. The weave you select impacts the material’s percentage of open area (from 40% to 85%), textured appearance, thickness (from 3/32” to 1/2”), wire gauge (from 14 to 21), and ultimate strength. Your knowledgeable Cascade Architectural representative is ready to help you select the perfect weave for your application.
Fabricoil® can create a billowing drapery effect by using more material than what is required to cover a given area. This effect is called "fullness" and is expressed as a percentage of additional material. Acceptable range for fullness is 15-200%.
We take pride in providing expert technical assistance to architects and designers like you to help ensure the success of your project at every stage, so whether you're researching design options, writing a specification, requesting samples, looking for budgetary pricing, or just looking for inspiration, our experienced staff can quickly assist you and your team in identifying the best weave size, material, gauge, finish, fullness, and pre-engineered or custom attachment system to meet your specific needs, and ultimately bring your vision to life. Get connected with one of technical product specialists today by calling 1-800-999-2645 or emailing inquires@cascade-architectural.com.
or call 1-800-999-2645