Where are there detailed plans

[prairiemom]

for how to build an underground shelter using a metal culvert? Actually, I'm thinking we'd like to do this for a root cellar and to store our bulk items, but I've heard that someone/somewhere has published plans or articles on how to do this for emergency shelter. Has anyone here heard of this? (I haven't been able to find anything using Google--a lot of talk, no real plans or details.)

[Julie]

Step 1. Buy a corrugated steel culvert and weld on end plates:

http://www.green-trust.org/bombshelter/sc1.jpg


Step 2. Make two entrances. (They must come down vertically, turn 90 degrees and enter the shelter horizontally):

http://www.green-trust.org/bombshelter/sc2.jpg


Step 3. Dig a deep hole:

http://www.green-trust.org/bombshelter/sc3.jpg

Step 4. Hire a crane and trackhoe to lift the shelter into the hole:

http://www.green-trust.org/bombshelter/sc4.jpg


Step 5. Attach entrances:
http://www.green-trust.org/bombshelter/sc5.jpg


Step 6. Fill to at least half way with washed crushed rock (1/2 or 3/4 inch minus):
http://www.green-trust.org/bombshelter/sc6.jpg


Step 7. Add 6 inch diameter air vents:

http://www.green-trust.org/bombshelter/sc7.jpg


Step 8. Add 180 degree turn to air vent & fill excavation:

http://www.green-trust.org/bombshelter/sc8.jpg


Step 9. Install blast door:

http://www.green-trust.org/bombshelter/sc9.jpg


Step 10. Install floor:

http://www.green-trust.org/bombshelter/sc10.jpg


Step 11. Install blast valves:

http://www.green-trust.org/bombshelter/sc11.jpg



Step 12. Install Ventilation system with nuclear, chemical biological filter:

http://www.green-trust.org/bombshelter/sc12-24.jpg


Step 13. Install electrical system:

http://www.green-trust.org/bombshelter/sc13.jpg

http://www.green-trust.org/bombshelter/sc13b.jpg

People with rudimentary metal working skills can construct an 8 ft. by 40 ft. steel shelter with two entrances and blast doors for approximately $8,000. If we construct this shelter for you it will slightly more than double that price. We have found excavation and installation costs to run an additional $3,500. The air filtration system varies in cost from a few hundred dollars to an additional $5200 dollars for the Swiss made LUWA Nuclear, Chemical, Biological Filter.


If you wish for us to build the shelter for you, please contact us by phone. Look on this web site under Contact & Ordering.

The basic design, using corrugated steel culvert, was successfully tested up to 200 psi during nuclear weapons tests at the Nevada test site during the 1950s. Properly installed, either type of shelter should withstand a 200 psi overpressure as well as the thermal, blast, and radiation effects accompanying that overpressure range. Weapons effects from a one megaton (one million tons of TNT equivalent) ground burst would then be survivable within 1/4 mile of the crater edge, or at ground zero from a one megaton air burst detonated at a height maximizing blast damage. This design concept was highly recommended by government engineers. The design information, however, reached only a few people and no construction details were made available to the general public.

We researched this design while Sharon was doing her master's degree in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Utah. The blast doors and blast valves were designed by local engineers for the volunteer citizens group, The Civil Defense Volunteers of Utah, of which we are the founders. We know of no other shelter designs, commercially built or otherwise which have been tested under blast conditions.

http://www.netoriginals.com/uss/

also see http://www.radius-defense.com/

[Julie]

http://www.nogw.com/download/2005_cellar3.pdf

[prairiemom]

Wow, thanks. Where did you get this info? I got "page not found" when I clicked the links.

[Julie]

The links on the first reply didn't work. sorry. But the link on the second reply works and is a very good site.
I just googled "How to build a shelter with a culvert".

[prairiemom]

Oops, I didn't see that second link. Thanks! Wow, that is exactly what I was looking for. This would be first and foremost for root cellar and food storage, but it'd be nice if we could also plan it for emergency shelter.

Our next big problem (after financial limits) is we have such a high water table (right now it's about 6-8', but 10 yr ago or so it was only 2') and a deep frost line. I think the frost line is about 8-10'. So, any ideas on how to keep water out while keeping it frost free?

I've called our local county extension and they say they might have a publication they can send me, but not sure if it's generic info on root cellaring or will have info particular to the region/climate. They're sending it in the mail, so I won't get it for at least another 4-5 days.

[Julie]

I submitted a reply and I know not where it went.
Build up instead of down. Use an ocean going container, which is water proof, or a culvert and put down some gravel. Set your container on it and cover it with several feet of dirt. I see the potato farmers around here do it all the time.

http://www.rootcellars.com/01cellars/i/cellarupdown.jpg

[BackBlast]

You should make the doors round and dress up as hobbits.

Okay, maybe not, but it would be fun for a day. :001_005:

[thor610]

I have seen that. It is on the Walton Food site, but I don't have the url handy right now.