ASTM E1976-19

Standard Specification for Shelter, Tactical, Nonexpandable

ABSTRACT
This specification covers a rigid wall, nonexpendable shelter constructed of aluminum-faced, nonmetallic honeycomb sandwich panels. Electrical continuity testing, water leakage and operational testing, performance testing, paint adhesion testing, packaging examination, thermal shock test, panel interchange test, insert proof load test, floor load test, roof load test, door load test, step test, airtightness test, low temperature test, high temperature test, humidity and temperature aging test, blackout test, panel watertightness test, insert working load test, rail transportability test, and impact resistance test shall be performed to meet the requirements prescribed. Drop test, towing test, water leakage test, fluorescent light temperature test, solar load test, operational test, lifting test, six high stacking test, longitudinal restraint test, racking test, lashing test, end wall strength test, sidewall strength test, lifting from fork lift pockets test, heat transfer test, adhesion of paint test, panel delamination test, thickness test, electrical system test, and panel frame air tightness test shall be performed to meet the requirements prescribed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers a rigid wall, nonexpandable shelter constructed of aluminum-faced, nonmetallic honeycomb sandwich panels, and meeting the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Cargo Container specification. Nominal dimensions are: height 8 ft, width 8 ft and length 20 ft (2.4 by 2.4 by 6.1 m).  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 The following precautionary statement pertains to the test method portion only, Section 8, of this specification: This statement does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2019
• ICS: 77.150.10 - Aluminium products
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.53 - Materials and Processes for Durable Rigidwall Relocatable Structures

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1976-11 - Standard Specification for Shelter, Tactical, Nonexpandable
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM E874-19 - Standard Practice for Adhesive Bonding of Aluminum Facings to Nonmetallic Honeycomb Core for Shelter Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM E1773-18 - Standard Practice for Sealing Rigid Wall Tactical Shelters with Polysulfide Based Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1749-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Rigid Wall Relocatable Shelters
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1925-18 - Specification for Engineering and Design Criteria for Rigid Wall Relocatable Structures
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E631-15 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM E631-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM E874-11 - Standard Practice for Adhesive Bonding of Aluminum Facings to Nonmetallic Honeycomb Core for Shelter Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM E1826-11 - Standard Specification for Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Corrosion-Inhibiting Adhesive Primer for Aluminum Alloys to Be Adhesively Bonded
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E866-11 - Standard Specification for Corrosion-Inhibiting Adhesive Primer for Aluminum Alloys to Be Adhesively Bonded in Honeycomb Shelter Panels
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E874-10a - Standard Practice for Adhesive Bonding of Aluminum Facings to Nonmetallic Honeycomb Core for Shelter Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM E1749-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Rigid Wall Relocatable Shelters
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM E1773-10 - Standard Practice for Sealing Rigid Wall Tactical Shelters with Polysulfide Based Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM E1925-10 - Specifiction for Engineering and Design Criteria for Rigid Wall Relocatable Structures
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E874-10 - Standard Practice for Adhesive Bonding of Aluminum Facings to Nonmetallic Honeycomb Core for Shelter Panels
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010

Overview

ASTM E1976-19: Standard Specification for Shelter, Tactical, Nonexpandable defines the requirements for rigid-wall, nonexpandable tactical shelters constructed using aluminum-faced, nonmetallic honeycomb sandwich panels. Developed by ASTM International, this standard aligns with ISO cargo container specifications to ensure interoperability and compatibility for transportation and deployment across military, emergency, and industrial applications. The specification addresses performance, materials, workmanship, structural integrity, environmental resistance, and safety considerations.

Key Topics

• Shelter Construction: Guidelines for using aluminum-faced, non-metallic honeycomb sandwich panels, focusing on durability, water resistance, and structural strength.
• ISO Compliance: Ensures shelters meet International Organization for Standardization (ISO) dimensions and corner fitting requirements for Series 1 freight containers.
• Performance Testing: Outlines comprehensive tests such as load bearing, thermal shock, airtightness, watertightness, impact resistance, and environmental cycling for temperature, humidity, and solar load.
• Electrical Systems: Specifications for three-phase electrical distribution, temperature range performance, and proper insulation and grounding, supporting operational reliability.
• Quality and Workmanship: Addresses standards for riveting, welding, cleaning, and finishing to ensure all components satisfy stringent durability and operational criteria.
• Marking and Documentation: Requires shelters to have unique serial numbers, technical manuals, and clear labeling/installations as shown in referenced drawings.

Applications

ASTM E1976-19 is vital for:

• Military Tactical Shelters: Used by armed forces for field operations, command posts, medical units, and secure storage. The standard assures robust construction and environmental resilience for harsh conditions.
• Emergency Response: Suitable for rapid deployment in disaster relief, crisis management, or temporary medical facilities, emphasizing transportability and rapid setup.
• Industrial and Commercial Uses: Ideal for mobile offices, workshops, communication hubs, or facilitation of remote operations needing strong, relocatable structures.
• Global Transportation: Integration with ISO container specifications allows use in international shipping, making these shelters compatible with commercial logistics systems.

Related Standards

This standard references several crucial documents to ensure quality and interoperability:

• ASTM E631: Terminology of Building Constructions
• ASTM E864, E865, E866, E874, E990, E1091, E1749, E1773, E1826, E1925: Covering materials, processes, adhesives, corrosion protection, and design criteria for shelter construction
• ISO 1161 & ISO 1496-1: Specifications for freight container fittings and general requirements
• ISO 9001: Quality systems for design, development, production, and service
• MIL-STD-129 & MIL-STD-810: Guidelines for military shipping/labeling and environmental testing
• SAE-AMS-STD-1595 & SAE-AMS-STD-2219: Welding and qualification standards for aerospace and defense-related structures
• ANSI/ASQC Z1.4: Sampling procedures and inspection guidelines

Practical Value

Complying with ASTM E1976-19 ensures tactical shelters are:

• Ready for extreme environments, high loads, and operational stress scenarios
• Built using proven materials and construction techniques to maximize service life and minimize failure risk
• Compatible with global logistics and deployment operations through ISO container interoperability
• Evaluated through rigorous, standardized performance and quality assurance testing

Organizations utilizing this standard can confidently procure, deploy, and maintain shelters that meet the highest expectations for reliability, efficiency, and safety in mission-critical applications.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:E1976 −19
Standard Specification for
Shelter, Tactical, Nonexpandable
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1976; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope E864 Practice for Surface Preparation of Aluminum Alloys
to Be Adhesively Bonded in Honeycomb Shelter Panels
1.1 This specification covers a rigid wall, nonexpandable
E865 Specification for Structural Film Adhesives for Hon-
shelter constructed of aluminum-faced, nonmetallic honey-
eycomb Sandwich Panels
comb sandwich panels, and meeting the International Organi-
E866 Specification for Corrosion-Inhibiting Adhesive
zationforStandardization(ISO)CargoContainerspecification.
Primer forAluminumAlloys to BeAdhesively Bonded in
Nominal dimensions are: height 8 ft, width 8 ft and length 20
Honeycomb Shelter Panels
ft (2.4 by 2.4 by 6.1 m).
E874 Practice for Adhesive Bonding of Aluminum Facings
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
to Nonmetallic Honeycomb Core for Shelter Panels
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
E990 Specification for Core-Splice Adhesive for Honey-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
comb Sandwich Structural Panels
and are not considered standard.
E1091 Specification for Nonmetallic Honeycomb Core for
1.3 The following precautionary statement pertains to the
Use in Shelter Panels
test method portion only, Section 8, of this specification: This E1749 Terminology Relating to Rigid Wall Relocatable
statement does not purport to address all of the safety
Shelters
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility E1773 Practice for Sealing RigidWallTactical Shelters with
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety,
Polysulfide Based Sealants
health, and environmental practices and determine the appli- E1826 Specification for Low Volatile Organic Compound
cability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
(VOC) Corrosion-Inhibiting Adhesive Primer for Alumi-
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
num Alloys to Be Adhesively Bonded
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- E1925 Specification for Engineering and Design Criteria for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Rigid Wall Relocatable Structures
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
2.2 ISO Standards:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ISO 1161-1980 Series 1 freight containers -- Corner fittings
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
-- Specification
ISO 1496-1 Series 1 freight containers -- Specification and
2. Referenced Documents
testing -- Part 1: General cargo containers
ISO 9001 Quality systems -- Model for quality assurance in
2.1 ASTM Standards:
design, development, production, installation and servic-
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
ing
2.3 Military Standards:
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipping and Storage
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.53
MIL-STD-810 Environmental Engineering Considerations
on Materials and Processes for Durable Rigidwall Relocatable Structures.
and Laboratory Tests
Current edition approved July 1, 2019. Published August 2019. Originally
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as E1976–11. DOI:
10.1520/E1976–19.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
the ASTM website. Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1976−19
2.4 ANSI/ASQC Standard: Clothcomponentsshallbecleanandfreeofholes,cutsortears.
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4-1993 Sampling Procedures and Tables All latches utilized for erection and closing of the shelter shall
for Inspection by Attributes be properly adjusted before the shelter is prepared for delivery
2.5 Drawings: to the purchaser.
5-4-3141 Shelter, Assembly, Non-Expandable-60 amp
4.4 Riveting—Riveting joints shall be tight.The joined parts
5-4-6865 Shelter, Assembly, Non-Expandable-100 amp
shall be undamaged, and the rivet heads shall be properly
2.6 SAE Standards:
seated and tight against the bearing surfaces. All the rivets,
SAE-AMS-STD-1595 Qualification ofAircraft, Missile, and
except those used in panel bonding, shall be dipped in
Aerospace Fusion Welders
polysulfide sealant just prior to insertion, however, a dab of
SAE-AMS-STD-2219 Fusion Welding forAerospaceAppli-
polysulfide sealant shall be applied to the head of each rivet.
cations
4.5 Cleaning—After fabrication, parts shall be cleaned in
accordance with the drawings.
3. Terminology
4.6 Welding—Welded joints shall be such that grinding of
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms related to
the finished weld shall not be a requirement, except when
building construction used in this specification, refer to Termi-
specified on the drawing. Spot, stitch, and seam welds shall be
nology E631, and for general terms related to rigid wall
asindicatedonthedrawings.Allsurfacestobeweldedshallbe
relocatable shelters, refer to Terminology E1749.
cleaned and free from scale, paint, grease, and other foreign
4. General Requirements
materials. Welds shall have thorough penetration, good fusion,
and shall be free from scabs, blisters, abnormal pock marks,
4.1 Alternate Components—When this specification or the
cracks, voids, slag inclusions, and other harmful defects.
referenced drawings specify use of a specific component “or
Welded assemblies shall be cleaned to remove any scale,
equal,” the contractor may substitute a component equal to the
oxidation products, and excess flux.Any acid used in cleaning
specified component provided that the contractor complies
shall be completely neutralized and removed. Welder shall be
with the following requirements. Prior to manufacture of the
certified in accordance with SAE-AMS-STD-1595. Welding
first article, or if none is required, prior to commencing
equipment and procedures shall conform to SAE-AMS-STD-
production, the contractor shall submit for the purchaser’s
2219.
approval, a list identifying each proposed “or equal” compo-
nent together with proof that each listed component is func- 4.7 Finish—Coatingsshalllevelouttoanadherent,continu-
ous and uniform film without runs, wrinkles, streaks, or areas
tionally equal to the specified component and is compatible
with the end item covered by this specification. The purchaser, of no film. Any coating damaged during assembly or exami-
nation shall be touched up. There shall be no areas of rust.
at his option, may require a physical sample of any “or equal”
component. Approval of the submitted listing and supporting Finish shall be free of blistering, peeling and chips.
4.7.1 Adhesion of Paint—The shelter shall be capable of
data authorizes the commencement of fabrication of the first
article or of production, as applicable, but does not relieve the withstanding, without degradation to the finish, the tests as
contractor of the responsibility that the “or equal” components specified in 8.37.
perform in accordance with specified requirements when 4.7.1.1 After top coat application, the shelter in the de-
incorporated into the end item. ployed mode shall be stored for a minimum of 168 h at a
minimum of 70 °F (21 °C) prior to performing this test.
4.2 Materials and Components—Materials and components
4.7.2 Color—The color of the paint film shall be compared
shall conform to the documents listed in the Referenced
with an appropriate color chip for the paint specified.
Documents section and as specified herein. Any change to the
4.7.3 Thickness—The thickness of the paint film shall be
proposed materials or processes must be approved by the
checked as specified in 8.39.
purchaser.Itisencouragedthatrecycledmaterialbeusedwhen
4.8 Finish and Color—Surfaces shall be of the color,
practical as long as it meets the requirements of this specifi-
treatment, and finish as shown on the drawings. Top coat
cation.
paintingshallbeperformedonthefullyassembledsheltersoas
4.3 Workmanship—The shelter, including all parts and
to prevent mismatch of color shading, unless other control
accessories,shallbeconstructedandfinishedinaworkmanlike
techniques are approved by the purchaser. After top coat
manner with particular attention given to removal of burrs and
application, the shelter shall be stored in a 70 °F (21 °C)
sharp edges, accuracy of dimensions, thoroughness of
minimum temperature indoor facility for a minimum of 36 h to
soldering, welding, painting, alignment of parts and
ensure adequate coating(s) cure. During this storage period the
assemblies, and the tightness of screws, bolts, and so forth.
shelterdoorsandventsshallbeopenedtopermitaircirculation
Gaskets shall not be torn or split and shall be free of finish.
within the shelter.
4.9 Manuals—Unless otherwise specified (see X1.2), tech-
Available from American Society for Quality (ASQ), 600 N. Plankinton Ave.,
nical manuals shall be provided with each shelter. Stowage
Milwaukee, WI 53203, http://www.asq.org.
provision for the manuals shall be located as shown on the
Copies of drawings are available from U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems
Center (NSSC), ATTN: AMSRD-NSC-CP-CS, General Greene Ave., Natick, MA
applicable drawings.
01760, http://www.army.mil/natick.
4.10 Terminology related to this specification is defined in
Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr.,Warrendale,
PA 15096, http://www.sae.org. Terminology E1749.
E1976−19
TABLE 1 Container Overall Dimensions
Height Width Length
Type
ft in. Tol. in. ft in. Tol. in. ft in. Tol. in.
8 0 +0 −0.1875 8 0 +0 −0.1875 19 10.5 +0 −0.25
IC
(2.438 m) . (−5 mm) (2.438 m) +0 (−5 mm) (6.058 m) +0 (−6 mm)
5. Design and Construction Requirements the contractor shall fabricate qualification test sandwich panels
and structural film adhesive floating roller peel test specimens,
5.1 Design and Construction—Design and construction of
and shall perform tests in accordance with Specification E865
the expandable shelter shall conform to the requirements
and Practice E874 (see X1.2).
specified on the drawings, all subsidiary drawings and parts
5.3.1 Panel Processing—The shelter panels shall be pro-
lists, and hereinafter. The shelter shall be free of panel
cessed and inspected as specified in Specifications E865 or
delaminations and shall meet all physical and environmental
E1826 depending upon which primer is being used, Specifica-
requirements specified herein.
tionsE865,E866,E990,E1091,andPracticesE864,E874,and
5.2 Container Mode—The shelter in the closed or transport
E1773. The shelter panels shall be inspected for dimensions
mode shall be referred to as a container, hereinafter, for the
and flatness in accordance with the “Dimensional and Flatness
purpose of definition. The shelter, in the container mode, shall
Inspection of Panel” Section of Practice E874 (see 11.2).
be an article of transport equipment meeting ISO freight
5.3.2 Panel Watertightness—Panel assemblies shall not per-
container requirements related to cargo containers. The shelter
mit the entry of water (see 11.3.1) when tested as specified in
shall show no structural damage when tested as specified in
8.18.
8.20, 8.22, 8.23, and 8.28 – 8.35 and shall show no leakage
5.3.3 Resistance to Thermal Shock—Panels shall be resis-
when tested as specified in 8.24, and 8.24.1 – 8.24.3. The
tant to thermal shock, when tested as specified in 8.6.
contractor shall ensure that the shelter receives Coast Guard
5.3.4 Panel Interchangeability—All panels and panel as-
Certification for ISO containers. The container’s overall di-
semblies bearing the same part numbers shall be functionally
mensions shall be in accordance with ISO freight container
and dimensionally interchangeable without modification or
designated IC and are as shown in Table 1.
rework. Individual assemblies shall not be hand picked for fit
5.3 Panels—The panels used as structural members in the or performance, when tested as specified in 8.7.
5.3.5 Delaminations—Delaminations in shelter panels shall
container configuration shall meet structurally all transporta-
tion and environmental requirements specified herein. Each be tested as specified in 11.3.4.
5.3.6 Panel Frame Airtightness—Welded panel frames shall
panel shall be fabricated as a net panel with aluminum
extrusions bonded about the panel perimeter during panel be air tight when tested as specified in 8.41.
bonding. The inner and outer skins on all joints shall be sealed
5.4 Inserts—When tested as specified in 8.8, the following
to provide a water barrier against the entrance of moisture to
sized inserts, where used, shall withstand the torque and
the core material and to the interior of the shelter. The water
pullout loads as specified in Table 2, without failure of the
barrier is to be maintained intact at all panel cross-sectional
inserts, panel, or potting compound.
openings.All joints and edges shall be assembled and sealed in
5.5 Payload—The unit is designed to carry a maximum
a manner to prevent collection and retention of moisture.
payload of 11 140 lb (5100 kg) during transport.
Particularemphasisshallbeplacedonthesealingofallmitered
corners. All of the above sealing procedures shall be accom- 5.6 Corner Fittings—The container shall be equipped with
plished in accordance with Practice E1773. Rivet shafts shall cornerfittingsatthetopandbottomcornersinaccordancewith
be coated with sealing compound before insertion. The sealer the dimensional requirements for corner fittings for series-1
shallbeasindicatedonthedrawings.Thecontractorshallhave freight containers as stipulated in ISO 1161-1980 requirements
the appropriate equipment and facilities, use the correct pro- for commercial containers. The upper faces of the top corner
cedures in accordance with Practices E864 and E874, and use fittings shall protrude above the top of the rest of the container
qualified panel components (that is, structural film and core by a minimum of ⁄4 in (6 mm). The lower faces of bottom
splice adhesives, corrosion-inhibiting adhesive primer, struc- corner fittings shall protrude below the bottom of the container
tural nonmetallic honeycomb core, and as specified 5052-H34 by a minimum of ⁄16 in (11 mm).
or 6061-T6 aluminum skins, FRP barrier strips, and 6061-T6
5.7 Shelter Mode—The shelter in the erected mode shall be
extrusions). Prior to use, all critical panel component materials
referred to as a shelter herein for the purpose of definition.
must be qualified in accordance with Specifications E865,
E866, E990, E1091, and E1826. There shall be no skin splices
in the panels except where noted on the drawings. Unless
TABLE 2 Insert Strength (Proof Loads)
otherwise specified (see X1.2), prior to award of contract, the
Insert (Diameter
Pull-out, lb (kN) Torque, ft-lb (N·m)
contractor shall submit to the purchaser a certified copy of a Thread Size)
laboratory test report and a copy of their process specification 10-32 1000 4.5 10 (13.6)
⁄4-28 1000 4.5 20 (27.2)
covering fabrication of the metallic-faced, nonmetallic honey-
⁄16-24 2000 9.0 20 (27.2)
comb core sandwich panels they propose to use in the
⁄8-24 2000 9.0 40 (54.2)
construction of the end item. Using their process specification,
E1976−19
Hinged shelter panels shall be attached in a manner to ensure 5.9.9.1 Electrical Power Service Entrance—The electrical
compliance with the environmental test requirements as speci- power service entrance shall be as shown on the drawings.All
fied in 8.6, 8.13 – 8.17, 8.24, and 8.26. outlets shall be electrically insulated from the wall.
5.9.9.2 Convenience Outlets—The shelter shall contain du-
5.8 Exterior Lighting—One area lighting fixture, as shown
plex convenience outlets as indicated on the drawings. All
on the drawings, shall be provided with each shelter.
outlets shall be electrically grounded.
5.9 Shelter Electrical System:
5.9.9.3 Air Conditioning—Power for heating and cooling
equipment shall be provided from the distribution panel in the
5.9.1 General—The system shall have all equipment, ca-
bling and other hardware necessary to receive three phase shelter to an electrical connector mounted in the service
entrance recessed pan on the outside of the shelter as indicated
120/208 V, 60 Hz power from the base electrical distribution
on the drawings.
systems, and distribute it to lighting fixtures and receptacles as
indicated on the drawings. The 60 A shelters shall be in 5.9.9.4 External Outlets—Power distribution shall be pro-
accordancewithDrawing5-4-3141andallsubsidiarydrawings vided from the distribution panel box in the shelter to outlets
and parts lists. The 100 A shelters shall be in accordance with mounted in the service entrance recessed pan on the outside of
Drawing 5-4-6865 and all subsidiary drawings and parts lists. the shelter as indicated on the drawings.
All parts of the electrical system shall operate when tested for
5.9.10 Communications—The shelter shall have four (two
electrical continuity as specified in 8.40.
pairs) circuits through the wall telephone and intercom utility
connections terminating in four protected terminals inside and
5.9.2 Operating Temperature—The wiring system and all
outside the shelter, as indicated on the drawings.
individual hardware items shall be capable of operating at their
5.9.11 Tools—Tools provided with the shelter shall be read-
required capacity within an ambient temperature range of –60
to125 °F(–51to52 °C),exceptthatthefluorescentlightsshall ily accessible to personnel.
operate from 0 to 125 °F (–18 to 52 °C), when tested as
5.10 Nameplates and Product Marking—All markings shall
specified in 8.14 and 8.15.
conform to the drawings. Each shelter shall be serially num-
5.9.3 Current Rating—All conductors and appropriate hard-
bered and provided with a nameplate in accordance with
ware shall be rated for current carrying capacity in accordance
applicable drawings (see X1.2).
with the applicable industry standards as specified on the
5.10.1 Interior Markings—Interior markings shall be as
drawings. Derating of components may be necessary for an
shown and in the locations shown on the applicable drawings.
operating ambient temperature of 125 °F (52 °C).
5.10.2 Exterior Markings—The shelter shall be provided
5.9.4 Finish—Panel boards and all other exposed metallic
with specific exterior markings as shown on the applicable
itemsshallhavefinishesasindicatedonthedrawings(see4.7).
drawings.
5.9.5 Panel Board—The panel board used shall be as
indicatedonthedrawings.Itshallbeofdeadfrontconstruction
6. Performance Requirements
and have a solid neutral bus, a ground bus, and a 60 A or 100
6.1 Floor Loads—The shelter floor shall be capable of
A three phase main breaker as specified (see X1.2). The panel
2 2
supporting a uniform load of 65 lb/ft (320 kg/m ). The shelter
shallhaveaNEMA-1enclosurewithconduithubsasnecessary
floorshallbecapableofsupportingaconcentratedloadof2000
and at least 18 breaker spaces excluding the main breaker. The
2 2
lb (910 kg) overa4ft (0.4 m ) area at the center of the floor.
panel board bus feed shall be by rigid conduit and conductors;
The floor shall also be capable of supporting a point load of
the conductors having a current carrying capacity of at least
2 2
125 lb/in. (9 kg/m ) Loads shall not cause any permanent
100 A at 125 °F (52 °C) ambient temperature. The bus feed
deformation of the floors or cause any deflection that interferes
cablesshallterminateinaconnectormountedontheexteriorof
with proper shelter operation, when tested as specified in 8.9.
the shelter. Conductors running from panel board circuits to
fixturesorreceptaclesshallbeenclosedinrigidconduitorshall 6.2 Roof Loads—The roof assembly of the shelter shall
2 2
be specified flexible cable for the expandable portion of the
withstand a snow load of 40 lb/ft (200 kg/m ) and a personnel
2 2
shelter.Thecurrentcarryingcapacityoftheconductorsshallbe load of 660 lb (300 kg) static over 2 ft (0.2 m ) when tested as
20 A minimum, based upon an ambient temperature of 125 °F
specified in 8.10.
(52 °C)andNECratingprocedures.Allcircuitbreakersusedin
6.3 Door Loads—Container doors shall be tested to with-
the system shall be bolt-on type and have a minimum inter-
stand the following loads without deformation or impairment
rupting capacity of 10 000 A RMS symmetrical.
of function:
5.9.6 Cabling—Flexible cables shall be used to feed all
6.3.1 Static Door (Hinge) Load—The doors, frames, and
relocatable lighting fixtures and receptacles.These cables shall
hardware shall be capable of supporting 200 lb (90 kg) applied
be as indicated on the drawings.
to the door at the edge opposite the hinge pivot line with the
5.9.7 Switches—Switches used shall be as indicated on the
door open to approximately 90° when tested as specified in
drawings.
8.11.
5.9.8 Grounding—All noncurrent carrying metal compo-
6.3.2 Wind Gust Door (Stop) Load—The doors, frames and
nents shall be solidly grounded using the green ground wire
hardware shall withstand a wind gust of 60 mph (100 km/h) in
within the wiring system, as indicated on the drawings.
any direction when the door is secured in its open position by
5.9.9 Receptacles: its door stop device when tested as specified in 8.11.
E1976−19
6.4 Step Assembly—The completely mounted step assembly 6.18 Heat Transfer—The overall coefficient of heat transfer
shall withstand a vertical load of 500 lb (225 kg) applied to the of the shelter shall not exceed 0.39 BTU per hour per square
outer section without deformation of the assembly or support- foot per degree Fahrenheit (2.2 Watts per square metre per
ing structure when tested as specified in 8.12. degree Kelvin) (see 8.36).
6.5 Airtightness—The shelter shall not permit air leakage
7. Other Requirements
beyond specified limits when tested as specified in 8.13.
7.1 Requirements and testing for lifting, six high stacking,
6.6 Temperature Range:
longitudinal restraint, racking, lashing, endwall strength, side-
6.6.1 Nonoperating Temperature—The shelter shall with-
wallstrength,andliftingfromforkliftpocketsshallconformto
stand exposure to a temperature range of –60 to 160 °F (–51 to
ISO 1496-1 when tested as specified in 8.28 – 8.35.
71 °C).
7.2 First Article—When specified, a sample shall be sub-
6.6.2 Operational Temperature—The shelter shall be de-
jected to first article inspection (see 9.1, X1.2, and X1.3).
pendable and operable in an ambient temperature range of –60
to 125 °F (–51 to 52 °C) plus a solar load such that the outer
7.3 Inspection Comparison Testing Sample—When speci-
skin reaches a temperature of 200 °F (93 °C), when tested as
fied (see X1.2), the contractor shall furnish a sample for
specified in 8.14, 8.15, and 8.26.
comparison inspection and approval (see 9.1 and X1.4).
6.7 Humidity and Temperature Aging (Components)—The
7.4 Manuals—Unless otherwise specified (see X1.2), tech-
shelter components shall be capable of withstanding the
nical manuals shall be provided with each shelter. Stowage
conditions of a minimum 95 % relative humidity at 200 °F
provisions for the manuals shall be located as shown on the
(93 °C). There shall be no evidence of delamination, cracking,
applicable drawings.
corrosion, or deterioration when tested as specified in 8.16.
8. Test Methods
6.8 Blackout—There shall be no internal light visible from
outside of the unit in the shelter mode when tested as specified
8.1 Electrical Continuity Testing—Test every end item as
in 8.17. specifiedin8.40.Anytestfailureshallbecauseforrejectionof
the end item.
6.9 Insert Strength—When tested as specified in 8.19, the
inserts indicated in Table 2 shall withstand loads equal to 80 % 8.2 Water Leakage and Operational Testing—Test the first
oftheapplicablestrengthsshowninTable2withoutfailureand
ten production units as specified in 8.24, 8.24.1, and 8.24.3.If
as indicated in Table 3. no failures are experienced, test five of the next ten production
units. If no failures are experienced on the 50 % sample, test
6.10 Rail Transportability—The shelter, when tested as
one of each 25 production units thereafter. Any failure on
specified (see 8.20), shall be capable of withstanding, without
sampled units shall be cause for rejection of the lot and return
damage, the shocks normally induced by rail transport.
to 1008 testing; repeat the above procedure (starting with the
6.11 Impact Resistance—The shelter panel shall be impact
units of that lot).
resistant when tested as specified in 8.21.
8.2.1 Water Leakage (Fully Loaded)—Test one out of every
6.12 Drop Test—Theshelterwhentestedasspecifiedin8.22
50productionunitsasspecifiedin8.24.2and8.24.3.Notifythe
shall show no evidence of damage as a result of the drop test. purchaser of any test failure within 72 h. Prepare a failure
analysis report with corrective action defined, and test one out
6.13 Towing—The shelter shall show no evidence of dam-
ofthenexttenproductionunitsfollowedbyoneoutofthenext
age when tested as specified in 8.23.
fifty if no failures occur.
6.14 Water Leakage—The shelter shall show no evidence of
8.3 Performance Testing—Test one end item from each
leakage when tested as specified in 8.24.
inspectionlotasspecifiedin8.13(sheltermodeonly)and8.26.
6.15 Fluorescent Light Temperature—Shelter fluorescent
After successful completion of these tests, test the end item
light assemblies shall show no failure when tested as specified
sample as specified in 8.17. The size of the inspection lot shall
in 8.25.
not exceed 25 shelters. Any test failure shall be cause for
rejection of the lot.
6.16 Solar Load—The shelter shall withstand a solar load
test when tested as specified in 8.26.
8.4 PaintAdhesion Testing—Testoneofeveryfortyproduc-
tion units as specified in 8.37. Test this unit in the deployed
6.17 Operational Fitness—The shelter shall prove func-
tional when tested as specified in 8.27. mode only after storage in a 70 °F (21 °C) minimum tempera-
ture indoor environment for 168 h minimum, after topcoat
painting. Notify the purchaser of any test failure within 72 h.
Prepare a failure analysis report with corrective action defined,
TABLE 3 Insert Strength (Working Loads)
and test one out of the next ten production units, followed by
Insert (Diameter
Pull-out, lb (kg) Torque, ft-lb (J) one out of the next forty if no failures occur.
Thread Size)
10-32 800 (360) 8 (11) 8.5 Packaging Examination—Make an examination to de-
⁄4-28 800 (360) 16 (22)
termine that preservation and packing comply with Section
⁄16-24 1600 (725) 16 (22)
5.9.9. Score defects in accordance with Table 4. The sample
⁄8-24 1600 (725) 32 (43)
unit shall be one shelter fully packaged except the mechanical
E1976−19
TABLE 4 Packaging Defects
the pull-out test. Apply the reaction load from the insert
Examine Defect pull-out fixture onto the test specimen panel, to the panel
Workmanship Doors are not closed, latched, and mechanically sealed outside of a 3 in. (75 mm) radius measured from the centerline
Exterior Exterior electrical connections are not covered and covers are
of the insert.
not secure (hand pressure)
8.8.1 Insert Torque—To determine compliance with the
Expandable wall corner post cam latch handles are not in
locked position with pin in retaining hole
torque requirements in 5.4, apply a torque load equal to the
Puncture in exterior skin
torque strength cited in Table 2 to the two identical inserts of
Damage (such as bending, gouging, or denting) to frame
each size (1-H, 1-V) potted in the test specimen panel cited in
ends or to fork lift opening
Steps are not folded closed
9.1.1 and 10.2. Torque load applied shall be equal to torque
Any other protruding or not stowed part
strength cited in Table 2 for applicable size. Inability of any
Workmanship Equipment container is not secured in place
Interior Parts in the equipment container are not in accordance with insert to meet specification requirement shall constitute a
the list of the parts
failure of the test.
The four lift jacks are not secured on the doors
8.8.2 Insert Pull-Out—To determine compliance with the
The two leveling jacks are not secured on the cargo door
The support struts are not secured with lock pin in place
pull-out requirements of 5.4, a tensile pull load equal to
The removable light fixtures are not secured to the fixed
pull-out strength cited in Table 2 shall be applied to two
ceiling by four captive studs with stowage bracket plunger
identical inserts of each size (1-H, 1-V) potted into the test
locked
The movable utility outlets are not secured to the hinged
specimen cited in 9.1.1 and 10.2. Failure of the potting
endwalls by their captive screws
compound to hold the insert firmly in panel shall constitute
The area light and cable are not secured to the interior of the
failure of the test.
personnel end panel with the retaining wing nuts secured
(hand pressure)
The area light does contain a bulb (bulb should be packaged 8.9 Floor Loads Test-Static Load—The floor loads test-
and packed in the equipment container)
static load shall be as specified in Specification E1925.
Any circuit breaker not in the OFF position
The circuit breaker box keys are not inside the box
8.10 RoofLoadTest—Theroofloadtestshallbeasspecified
Air vents are not secured closed
in Specification E1925.
Environmental control units (ECU), panels are not stowed
securely on the fixed ceiling
8.11 Door Load Test—The door load test shall be as
Any other loose or not stowed part
specified in Specification E1925.
8.12 Step Test—Suspend a 500 lb (225 kg) weight from the
outer end of a step assembly for 5 min and remove the load.
seals on the doors may be omitted to facilitate inspection.
Any permanent deformation or local delamination (see 8.38),
When omitted for internal inspection, after acceptance of the
shall constitute failure of this test.
lot for preservation, apply mechanical door seals to the shelters
and then inspect the lot of shelters subsequently for sealing.
8.13 Airtightness Test—The shelter airtightness test shall be
The lot shall be the number of shelters offered for inspection at as specified in Specification E1925.
one time. The inspection level shall be II, and the AQL,
8.14 Low Temperature Test—Cold soak the shelter with
expressed in terms of defects per hundred units, shall be 2.5.
shelter components and maximum payload packaged within,
8.6 Thermal Shock Test—Within 30 min after the exposure
first at –60 °F (–51 °C) temperature for a minimum of 24 h in
cycling of 8.16 has been completed, subject the panel speci-
a mechanically refrigerated cold chamber.At the end of the 24
mens to a –65 °F (–54 °C) environment for4hto evaluate the
h period and while at –60 °F (–51 °C), erect the shelter.
effects of thermal shock.After thermal shock, inspect the panel
Operate all hardware (for example, latches, doors, knockout
specimens for delamination (see 8.38), corrosion, and material
panels, and so forth) and examine the shelter and its compo-
degradation. Any delamination, corrosion, or material degra-
nents for any damage. Do not move lights or electrical
dation shall constitute a failure of the test.
receptacles into position at this time. Raise the chamber
temperature to –25 °F (–32 °C).Allow the chamber to stabilize
8.7 Panel Interchange Test—Interchange two fixed walls
at –25 °F (–32 °C) for 4 h. Hook up a power source to the
with the same part number randomly selected from the first
shelter. Operate circuit breakers, blackout emergency switch,
article or production lot of completed shelters, as applicable.
and emergency incandescent lights. The fluorescent ceiling
Accomplishtheinterchangebyremovingthebolts,interchang-
lights shall not be operated at –25 °F (–32 °C), since they are
ing walls, and reinstalling the bolts (see 5.3.4). Any wall that
rated for a minimum of 0 °F (–18 °C) operation. Next, return
cannot be fully interchanged shall constitute a failure of the
the shelter to normal operating conditions and cycle all doors,
test.
electrical components, and hardware. After operation and
8.8 Insert Proof Load Test—The test fixtures shall be
inspection of all components, close the shelter for shipment
fashioned by the contractor and approved by the purchaser
and re-examine for component damage and material degrada-
prior to use, to evaluate the inserts using bolts of the applicable
tion. The finding of any material or panel degradation or the
thread size. Apply loads to the insert in a tightening and
inability of any hardware to function properly during this test
loosening direction and hold at the specified torque for a
shall constitute failure of the low temperature test.
minimum of 5 s. Fashion the test fixtures to induce only a
twisting load to the insert for the torque test and, primarily, 8.15 High Temperature Test—Subject the shelter with shel-
onlyonaxialtensileloadthroughthecenterlineoftheinsertfor ter components and maximum payload packaged within, to a
E1976−19
160 °F (71 °C) storage test cycle and a 125 °F (52 °C) opera- 8.20 Rail Transportability Test—Test the shelter at a gross
tional test cycle. Soak the shelter in a chamber for at least 6 h weight of 15 000 lb (6875 kg) for rail transport as specified in
at the storage test temperature and for 24 h at the operational MIL-STD-810. Secure the test payload to prevent shelter
test temperature prior to initiation of the operation phase of the damage due to the load shifting on impact.
operational test cycle. At 125 °F (52 °C), erect the shelter and
8.21 Impact Resistance Test—Test as specified in Specifica-
operate circuit breakers, blackout emergency switch, emer-
tion E1925, except that the panel shall meet the following
gencyincandescentlight,andfluorescentlights.Alldoors,vent
acceptance criteria: No rupture of the impacting or opposite
openings, panel closeouts, and operational hardware shall be
skin, or both, is allowed. No delamination of the opposite skin
functional.Returnthesheltertonormalatmosphericconditions
to core is allowed. Outside a 3 in. (75 mm) radius (except 3 ⁄2
and cycle all doors, electrical components, and hardware.After
in. (90 mm) radius for fixed floor panel) from the “center of
operation and inspection of all components, close the shelter
impact” (that shall coincide with the approximate center of the
for shipment and then examine for component damage and
testpanelspecimen),nodelaminationofimpactingskintocore
material and panel degradation. The finding of any material or
shallbeallowedandcrushingorcollapsingofthecoreshallnot
panel degradation or the inability of any hardware to function
be allowed. Outside a 5 in. (125 mm) radius from the “center
properly shall constitute failure of the high temperature test.
of impact” (which shall coincide with the approximate center
of the test panel specimen), core shear failure shall not be
8.16 Humidity and Temperature Aging Test—Subject all
hardware (latches, handles, hinges, jacks, tools, light fixtures, allowed.
and so forth) anda4by8ft (1.2 by 2.4 m) specimen of each
8.22 Drop Test—The shelter, in the container mode, and
thickness composite panel (without edge numbers) to fifteen
withauniformlydistributedpayloadsuchthatthegrossweight
continuous 48 h cycles of the moisture resistance test in
equals 15 000 lb (6875 kg) shall withstand drops of 6 in. (150
accordance with Method 507 of MIL-STD-810. After cycling
mm) onto a level concrete type surface. Utilize a quick release
has been completed, any evidence of delamination, cracking,
hook that ensures that the shelter falls freely the full 6 in. (150
corrosion,ordeteriorationtoanycomponent,andanymalfunc-
mm) Any evidence of splits or tears on the bottom,
tion of any hardware or panel specimen shall constitute a
deformation, buckling, delamination (see 8.38), or structural
failure of the test.
weakness to any part of the shelter, and doors and panels not
operating properly during erection and striking shall constitute
8.17 Blackout Test—Placetheshelterinadarkenvironment.
failure of the test.
Suspend a light source of two 100 W bulbs operation at rated
voltage from the ceiling brackets of the shelter.With all covers 8.22.1 FlatDrop—Lifttheshelter6in.(150mm)highusing
in place and doors closed, observe the unit at a 25 ft (7.6 m) a four cable sling and allow the shelter to fall freely so that the
distance to ensure that no rays of lighting are visible to normal bottom impacts onto a hard concrete surface.
unaided eyesight. Visibility of any light at specified distance
8.22.2 Rotational Drop—Place a 4 in. (100 mm) high
shall constitute failure of the test. (nominal) board under the ISO fittings at one edge of the
shelter.Lifttheoppositeedgeoftheshelter6+ ⁄4in.(160mm)
8.18 Panel Watertightness Test—Weigh and then float the
from the ground. Take measurements from the outer edge of
shelter panel horizontally, with the sealed side down, in a tank
the ISO fittings at the two raised corners of the shelter. The
of water. Submerge approximately three-fourths of the thick-
range of the two measurements shall not exceed ⁄4 in. (6 mm).
ness of the floating panel in water, using hold down devices if
Release the shelter and allow it to fall freely such that the ISO
necessary. Seal the panel on the surface which is located on the
fittings impact onto a hard concrete surface. After all four
shelter exterior when the shelter is in its open configuration.
rotational drops, the requirements of 6.12 shall be met.
Panel sealing for the test panel shall be equivalent to the
sealing performed on all production panels, excess sealant on 8.23 TowingTest—Loadtheshelter,initscontainermode,to
rivet heads, panel edges, or areas not normally sealed in
a gross weight of 15 000 lb (6875 kg) and then tow from the
productionshallnotbeallowed.Submergethepanelfor6h.At leading edge; lower ISO fittings for a minimum of 200 ft (61
the end of this period remove it from the water, hand dry, and
m) forward and 200 ft (61 m) backward over rough plowed
reweigh within 15 min. The panel shall not gain more than ground at a speed of 3 to 5 mph (5 to 8 km/h). Perform two
0.1 % of its original weight upon reweighing. If a failure right angle turns on soft dirt while the shelter is being towed.
occurs,determinethesourceoftheleakandfix.Thenretestthe The initial position before each of the turns shall be such that
panel using the above procedure. Upon passing this test, check the direction of travel of the towing vehicle is perpendicular to
all panels in the lot for similar deficiencies and repair in the
the longitudinal axis of the 20 ft (6.1 m) side and the towing
same manner as the sample panel. The scale for determining eye of the vehicle is in line with the leading edge of the shelter.
panel weight shall be accurate to 0.1 lb (50 g).
Any panel delamination or structural deformation, except
superficialbaseframedentsandscratches,asaresultoftowing
8.19 Insert Working Load Test—Apply a working torque
shall constitute a failure of the test.
load and pull-out load to all inserts incorporated in the shelter
panels. Perform this test using torque and pull-out loads as 8.24 Water Leakage Test (Shelter Mode)—Expose the shel-
specified in Table 3. Use the same devices used to perform the ter in its expanded mode with jacks raised a minimum of 2 in.
test specified in 8.8, for this test. Failure of potting compound (50 mm) from ground level to a simulated rainfall of 5 6 1
to hold any insert firmly in panel shall constitute failure of this in./h (125 6 25 mm/h), as measured by a U.S.Weather Bureau
test. type gauge. Angle direction of the rainfall at 45° from the
E1976−19
vertical and space the nozzles to ensure even dispersion over bottomcornerfittings.Accomplishtheliftingusingappropriate
the test area. Expose the roof with each of the major sides of slings such that minimal acceleration or deceleration forces are
the shelter in succession, to this angled rainfall for periods of applied. Evenly distribute the dummy load over the entire floor
30min.Dispersetherainfalluniformlyovertheentiretestarea. area. Hoist the shelter off the ground by means of a four-cable
Perform this test for 2 h with the shelter in the closed slinghavingcablelengths(about15ft(4.5m))toformasingle
configuration, and for 2 h with the shelter in the erected apex over the QG with the sling legs at 45° angles minimum to
configuration. Close and latch all openings and doors. Upon the roof plane when attached to the top corner fitting of the
completion of the test, any evidence of penetration of water unit. Also hoist the shelter off the ground by means of a four
into the shelter shall constitute a failure of the test.Alternately, cable sling with a spreader bar to form a 45° angle to the roof
expose the whole shelter for 30 min to the above test in lieu of plane when attached to the lower corner fittings of the shelter.
exposing each section separately. Hold the container suspended for 5 min for each lift. Any
8.24.1 Water Leakage Test (Container Mode)—Test the structural damage (cracks, deformation, delamination (see
8.38)) incurred in the shelter as a result of this test shall
shelter as specified in 8.24, except that it shall be in the
container mode. constitute a failure of the test.
8.24.2 Water Leakage Test (Shelter Mode Fully Loaded)—
8.29 Six High Stacking Test—Place the shelter, in its con-
Testtheshelterasspecifiedin8.24.1,exceptthatthemaximum
tainermode,loadedtoatotalgrossweightof30000lb(13600
payload for the shelter shall be distributed uniformly on the
kg), on four level pads, one under each bottom corner fitting.
fixed floor.
The pads shall be centered under the fittings and be substan-
8.24.3 Water Leakage Test (Container Mode Fully
tially of the same plan dimensions (that is, shelter fitting
Loaded)—Test the shelter as specified in 8.24; except uni-
dimensions as taken in a plan view) as the fittings. Apply a
formly distribute the maximum payload for the shelter on the
stacking load of 476 190 lb (2118.2 kN) through four pads of
fixed floor.
the same plan area as the corner fittings, the load being equally
divided among the four top corner fittings. Offset each pad in
8.25 Fluorescent Light Temperature Test—Randomly select
thesamedirection,1.5in.(38mm)inthelongitudinaldirection
three fluorescent light assemblies from all of the light assem-
and 1.0 in. (25 mm) in the lateral direction. Conduct four tests
blies of the sample shelters. Test these sample fluorescent light
for offsets in each of the four longitudinal and lateral combi-
assemblies shall be for performance at 0 and 125 °F (–18 and
nations. Alternatively, the corner structures on one end of the
52 °C) temperature extremes. Note this light test may be
shelter may be tested simultaneously, and then the corner
performed as an extension of the high and low temperature
structures on the opposite end. In all cases, apply the loads for
shelter tests of this specification.Test all of the sample lights at
not less than 5 min. Any structural damage incurred in the
one temperature extreme, normalize at ambient if acceptable,
shelter and the container dimensional requirements (see 5.2)
and then test at the other extreme. Soak the sample lights and
not maintained as a result of this test shall constitute a failure
test performance in a chamber at no more than 0 °F (–18 °C)
of the test.
for the low temperature phase and at no less than 125 °F
(52 °C) for the high temperature phase. Each soak period shall 8.30 Longitudinal Restraint Test—Restrain the shelter, in its
be no less than 24 h. While remaining in the chambers, at the container mode, loaded to a gross weight of 15 000 lb (6875
completion of the soak period, turn the lights on. If
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1976 − 11 E1976 − 19
Standard Specification for
Shelter, Tactical, Nonexpandable
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1976; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers a rigid wall, nonexpandable shelter constructed of aluminum-faced, nonmetallic honeycomb
sandwich panels, and meeting the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Cargo Container specification. Nominal
dimensions are: height 8 ft, width 8 ft and length 20 ft (2.4 by 2.4 by 6.1 m).
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units values given in parentheses are for
information only.mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 The following precautionary statement pertains to the test method portion only, Section 78, of this specification: This
statement does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the applicability
of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E864 Practice for Surface Preparation of Aluminum Alloys to Be Adhesively Bonded in Honeycomb Shelter Panels
E865 Specification for Structural Film Adhesives for Honeycomb Sandwich Panels
E866 Specification for Corrosion-Inhibiting Adhesive Primer for Aluminum Alloys to Be Adhesively Bonded in Honeycomb
Shelter Panels
E874 Practice for Adhesive Bonding of Aluminum Facings to Nonmetallic Honeycomb Core for Shelter Panels
E990 Specification for Core-Splice Adhesive for Honeycomb Sandwich Structural Panels
E1091 Specification for Nonmetallic Honeycomb Core for Use in Shelter Panels
E1749 Terminology Relating to Rigid Wall Relocatable Shelters
E1773 Practice for Sealing Rigid Wall Tactical Shelters with Polysulfide Based Sealants
E1826 Specification for Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Corrosion-Inhibiting Adhesive Primer for Aluminum Alloys
to Be Adhesively Bonded
E1925 Specification for Engineering and Design Criteria for Rigid Wall Relocatable Structures
2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 1161-1980 Series 1-Freight Containers-Corner Fittings, 1 freight containers -- Corner fittings -- Specification
ISO 1496/I1496-1 Series 1-Freight Containers-Specification and Testing Part I-General Cargo Containers1 freight containers --
Specification and testing -- Part 1: General cargo containers
ISO 9001 Quality Systems-Model for Quality Assurance in Design, Development, Production, Installation, and Servicingsys-
tems -- Model for quality assurance in design, development, production, installation and servicing
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.53 on Materials
and Processes for Durable Rigidwall Relocatable Structures.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2011July 1, 2019. Published October 2011August 2019. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20052011 as
E1976 – 05.E1976–11. DOI: 10.1520/E1976-11.10.1520/E1976–19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1976 − 19
2.3 Military Standards:
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipping and Storage
MIL-STD-810 Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests
2.4 ANSI/ASQC Standard:
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4-1993 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes
2.5 Drawings:
5-4-3141 Shelter, Assembly, Non-Expandable-60 amp
5-4-6865 Shelter, Assembly, Non-Expandable-100 amp
2.6 SAE Standards:
SAE-AMS-STD-1595 Qualification of Aircraft, Missile, and Aerospace Fusion Welders
SAE-AMS-STD-2219 Fusion Welding for Aerospace Applications
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms related to building construction used in this specification, refer to Terminology
E631, and for general terms related to rigid wall relocatable shelters, refer to Terminology E1749.
4. General Requirements
4.1 Alternate Components—When this specification or the referenced drawings specify use of a specific component “or equal,”
the contractor may substitute a component equal to the specified component provided that the contractor complies with the
following requirements. Prior to manufacture of the first article, or if none is required, prior to commencing production, the
contractor shall submit for the purchaser’s approval, a list identifying each proposed “or equal” component together with proof that
each listed component is functionally equal to the specified component and is compatible with the end item covered by this
specification. The purchaser, at his option, may require a physical sample of any “or equal” component. Approval of the submitted
listing and supporting data authorizes the commencement of fabrication of the first article or of production, as applicable, but does
not relieve the contractor of the responsibility that the “or equal” components perform in accordance with specified requirements
when incorporated into the end item.
4.2 Materials and Components—Materials and components shall conform to the documents listed in the Referenced Documents
section and as specified herein. Any change to the proposed materials or processes must be approved by the purchaser. It is
encouraged that recycled material be used when practical as long as it meets the requirements of this specification.
4.3 Workmanship—The shelter, including all parts and accessories, shall be constructed and finished in a workmanlike manner
with particular attention given to removal of burrs and sharp edges, accuracy of dimensions, thoroughness of soldering, welding,
painting, alignment of parts and assemblies, and the tightness of screws, bolts, and so forth. Gaskets shall not be torn or split and
shall be free of finish. Cloth components shall be clean and free of holes, cuts or tears. All latches utilized for erection and closing
of the shelter shall be properly adjusted before the shelter is prepared for delivery to the purchaser.
4.4 Riveting—Riveting joints shall be tight. The joined parts shall be undamaged, and the rivet heads shall be properly seated
and tight against the bearing surfaces. All the rivets, except those used in panel bonding, shall be dipped in polysulfide sealant just
prior to insertion, however, a dab of polysulfide sealant shall be applied to the head of each rivet.
4.5 Cleaning—After fabrication, parts shall be cleaned in accordance with the drawings.
4.6 Welding—Welded joints shall be such that grinding of the finished weld shall not be a requirement, except when specified
on the drawing. Spot, stitch, and seam welds shall be as indicated on the drawings. All surfaces to be welded shall be cleaned and
free from scale, paint, grease, and other foreign materials. Welds shall have thorough penetration, good fusion, and shall be free
from scabs, blisters, abnormal pock marks, cracks, voids, slag inclusions, and other harmful defects. Welded assemblies shall be
cleaned to remove any scale, oxidation products, and excess flux. Any acid used in cleaning shall be completely neutralized and
removed. Welder shall be certified in accordance with SAE-AMS-STD-1595. Welding equipment and procedures shall conform
to SAE-AMS-STD-2219.
4.7 Finish—Coatings shall level out to an adherent, continuous and uniform film without runs, wrinkles, streaks, or areas of no
film. Any coating damaged during assembly or examination shall be touched up. There shall be no areas of rust. Finish shall be
free of blistering, peeling and chips.
4.7.1 Adhesion of Paint—The shelter shall be capable of withstanding, without degradation to the finish, the tests as specified
in 7.378.37.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4, Section D, DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA
19111-5098, http://dodssp.daps.dla.mil.19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
Available from American Society for Quality (ASQ), 600 N. Plankinton Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203, http://www.asq.org.
Copies of drawings are available from U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center, Systems Center (NSSC), ATTN: AMSRD-NSC-CP-CS, Kansas Street, General Greene Ave.,
Natick, MA 01760-5018, http://www.army.mil/info/organization/natick.01760, http://www.army.mil/natick.
Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001,15096, http://www.sae.org.
E1976 − 19
4.7.1.1 After top coat application, the shelter in the deployed mode shall be stored for a minimum of 168 h at a minimum of
70°F (21°C)70 °F (21 °C) prior to performing this test.
4.7.2 Color—The color of the paint film shall be compared with an appropriate color chip for the paint specified.
4.7.3 Thickness—The thickness of the paint film shall be checked as specified in 7.398.39.
4.8 Finish and Color—Surfaces shall be of the color, treatment, and finish as shown on the drawings. Top coat painting shall
be performed on the fully assembled shelter so as to prevent mismatch of color shading, unless other control techniques are
approved by the purchaser. After top coat application, the shelter shall be stored in a 70°F (21°C)70 °F (21 °C) minimum
temperature indoor facility for a minimum of 36 h to ensure adequate coating(s) cure. During this storage period the shelter doors
and vents shall be opened to permit air circulation within the shelter.
4.9 Manuals—Unless otherwise specified (see X1.2), technical manuals shall be provided with each shelter. Stowage provision
for the manuals shall be located as shown on the applicable drawings.
4.10 Terminology related to this specification is defined in Terminology E1749.
5. Design and Construction Requirements
5.1 Design and Construction—Design and construction of the expandable shelter shall conform to the requirements specified
on the drawings, all subsidiary drawings and parts lists, and hereinafter. The shelter shall be free of panel delaminations and shall
meet all physical and environmental requirements specified herein.
5.2 Container Mode—The shelter in the closed or transport mode shall be referred to as a container, hereinafter, for the purpose
of definition. The shelter, in the container mode, shall be an article of transport equipment meeting ISO freight container
requirements related to cargo containers. The shelter shall show no structural damage when tested as specified in 7.208.20,
7.228.22, 7.238.23, and 7.288.28 – 7.358.35 and shall show no leakage when tested as specified in 7.248.24, and 7.24.18.24.1 –
7.24.38.24.3. The contractor shall ensure that the shelter receives Coast Guard Certification for ISO containers. The container’s
overall dimensions shall be in accordance with ISO freight container designated IC and are as shown in Table 1.
5.3 Panels—The panels used as structural members in the container configuration shall meet structurally all transportation and
environmental requirements specified herein. Each panel shall be fabricated as a net panel with aluminum extrusions bonded about
the panel perimeter during panel bonding. The inner and outer skins on all joints shall be sealed to provide a water barrier against
the entrance of moisture to the core material and to the interior of the shelter. The water barrier is to be maintained intact at all
panel cross-sectional openings. All joints and edges shall be assembled and sealed in a manner to prevent collection and retention
of moisture. Particular emphasis shall be placed on the sealing of all mitered corners. All of the above sealing procedures shall be
accomplished in accordance with Practice E1773. Rivet shafts shall be coated with sealing compound before insertion. The sealer
shall be as indicated on the drawings. The contractor shall have the appropriate equipment and facilities, use the correct procedures
in accordance with SpecificationPractices E874E864 and Specification E864E874, and use qualified panel components (that is,
structural film and core splice adhesives, corrosion-inhibiting adhesive primer, structural nonmetallic honeycomb core, and as
specified 5052-H34 or 6061-T6 aluminum skins, FRP barrier strips, and 6061-T6 extrusions). Prior to use, all critical panel
component materials must be qualified in accordance with Specifications E865, E866, E990, E1091, and E1826. There shall be
no skin splices in the panels except where noted on the drawings. Unless otherwise specified (see X1.2), prior to award of contract,
the contractor shall submit to the purchaser a certified copy of a laboratory test report and a copy of their process specification
covering fabrication of the metallic-faced, nonmetallic honeycomb core sandwich panels they propose to use in the construction
of the end item. Using their process specification, the contractor shall fabricate qualification test sandwich panels and structural
film adhesive floating roller peel test specimens, and shall perform tests in accordance with Specification E865 and Practice E874
(see X1.2).
5.3.1 Panel Processing—The shelter panels shall be processed and inspected as specified in Specifications E864, E865 or E1826
depending upon which primer is being used, Specifications E865, E866, E874, E990, E1091, and PracticePractices E864, E874,
and E1773. The shelter panels shall be inspected for dimensions and flatness in accordance with the “Dimensional and Flatness
Inspection of Panel” Section of Practice E874 (see 10.211.2).
5.3.2 Panel Watertightness—Panel assemblies shall not permit the entry of water (see 10.3.111.3.1) when tested as specified in
7.188.18.
5.3.3 Resistance to Thermal Shock—Panels shall be resistant to thermal shock, when tested as specified in 7.68.6.
TABLE 1 Container Overall Dimensions
Height Width Length
Type
ft in. Tol. in. ft in. Tol. in. ft in. Tol. in.
Height Width Length
Type
ft in. Tol. in. ft in. Tol. in. ft in. Tol. in.
8 0 +0 −0.1875 8 0 +0 −0.1875 19 10.5 +0 −0.25
IC
... (−5 mm) (2.438 m) +0 (−5 mm) (6.058 m) (−6 mm)
(2.438 m) +0
E1976 − 19
5.3.4 Panel Interchangeability—All panels and panel assemblies bearing the same part numbers shall be functionally and
dimensionally interchangeable without modification or rework. Individual assemblies shall not be hand picked for fit or
performance, when tested as specified in 7.78.7.
5.3.5 Delaminations—Delaminations in shelter panels shall be tested as specified in 10.3.411.3.4.
5.3.6 Panel Frame Airtightness—Welded panel frames shall be air tight when tested as specified in 7.418.41.
5.4 Inserts—When tested as specified in 7.88.8, the following sized inserts, where used, shall withstand the torque and pullout
loads as specified in Table 2, without failure of the inserts, panel, or potting compound.
5.5 Payload—The unit is designed to carry a maximum payload of 11 140 lb (5100 kg) during transport.
5.6 Corner Fittings—The container shall be equipped with corner fittings at the top and bottom corners in accordance with the
dimensional requirements for corner fittings for series-1 freight containers as stipulated in ISO 1161-1980 requirements for
commercial containers. The upper faces of the top corner fittings shall protrude above the top of the rest of the container by a
minimum of ⁄4 in (6 mm). The lower faces of bottom corner fittings shall protrude below the bottom of the container by a minimum
of ⁄16 in (11 mm).
5.7 Shelter Mode—The shelter in the erected mode shall be referred to as a shelter herein for the purpose of definition. Hinged
shelter panels shall be attached in a manner to ensure compliance with the environmental test requirements as specified in 7.68.6,
7.138.13 – 7.178.17, 7.248.24, and 7.268.26.
5.8 Exterior Lighting—One area lighting fixture, as shown on the drawings, shall be provided with each shelter.
5.9 Shelter Electrical System:
5.9.1 General—The system shall have all equipment, cabling and other hardware necessary to receive three phase 120/208 V,
60 Hz power from the base electrical distribution systems, and distribute it to lighting fixtures and receptacles as indicated on the
drawings. The 60 A shelters shall be in accordance with Drawing 5-4-3141 and all subsidiary drawings and parts lists. The 100
A shelters shall be in accordance with Drawing 5-4-6865 and all subsidiary drawings and parts lists. All parts of the electrical
system shall operate when tested for electrical continuity as specified in 7.408.40.
5.9.2 Operating Temperature—The wiring system and all individual hardware items shall be capable of operating at their
required capacity within an ambient temperature range of –60 F to 125°F125 °F (–51 to 52°C),52 °C), except that the fluorescent
lights shall operate from 0 F to 125°F125 °F (–18 to 52°C),52 °C), when tested as specified in 7.148.14 and 7.158.15.
5.9.3 Current Rating—All conductors and appropriate hardware shall be rated for current carrying capacity in accordance with
the applicable industry standards as specified on the drawings. Derating of components may be necessary for an operating ambient
temperature of 125°F (52°C).125 °F (52 °C).
5.9.4 Finish—Panel boards and all other exposed metallic items shall have finishes as indicated on the drawings (see 3.74.7).
5.9.5 Panel Board—The panel board used shall be as indicated on the drawings. It shall be of dead front construction and have
a solid neutral bus, a ground bus, and a 60 A or 100 A three phase main breaker as specified (see X1.2). The panel shall have a
NEMA-1 enclosure with conduit hubs as necessary and at least 18 breaker spaces excluding the main breaker. The panel board
bus feed shall be by rigid conduit and conductors; the conductors having a current carrying capacity of at least 100 A at 125°F
(52°C)125 °F (52 °C) ambient temperature. The bus feed cables shall terminate in a connector mounted on the exterior of the
shelter. Conductors running from panel board circuits to fixtures or receptacles shall be enclosed in rigid conduit or shall be
specified flexible cable for the expandable portion of the shelter. The current carrying capacity of the conductors shall be 20 A
minimum, based upon an ambient temperature of 125°F (52°C)125 °F (52 °C) and NEC rating procedures. All circuit breakers
used in the system shall be bolt-on type and have a minimum interrupting capacity of 10 000 A RMS symmetrical.
5.9.6 Cabling—Flexible cables shall be used to feed all relocatable lighting fixtures and receptacles. These cables shall be as
indicated on the drawings.
5.9.7 Switches—Switches used shall be as indicated on the drawings.
5.9.8 Grounding—All noncurrent carrying metal components shall be solidly grounded using the green ground wire within the
wiring system, as indicated on the drawings.
5.9.9 Receptacles:
5.9.9.1 Electrical Power Service Entrance—The electrical power service entrance shall be as shown on the drawings. All outlets
shall be electrically insulated from the wall.
TABLE 2 Insert Strength (Proof Loads)
Insert (Diameter
Pull-out, lb (kN) Torque, ft-lb (N·m)
Thread Size)
Insert (Diameter
Pull-out, lb (kN) Torque, ft-lb (N·m)
Thread Size)
10-32 1000 4.5 10 (13.6)
⁄4-28 1000 4.5 20 (27.2)
⁄16-24 2000 9.0 20 (27.2)
⁄8-24 2000 9.0 40 (54.2)
E1976 − 19
5.9.9.2 Convenience Outlets—The shelter shall contain duplex convenience outlets as indicated on the drawings. All outlets
shall be electrically grounded.
5.9.9.3 Air Conditioning—Power for heating and cooling equipment shall be provided from the distribution panel in the shelter
to an electrical connector mounted in the service entrance recessed pan on the outside of the shelter as indicated on the drawings.
5.9.9.4 External Outlets—Power distribution shall be provided from the distribution panel box in the shelter to outlets mounted
in the service entrance recessed pan on the outside of the shelter as indicated on the drawings.
5.9.10 Communications—The shelter shall have four (two pairs) circuits through the wall telephone and intercom utility
connections terminating in four protected terminals inside and outside the shelter, as indicated on the drawings.
5.9.11 Tools—Tools provided with the shelter shall be readily accessible to personnel.
5.10 Nameplates and Product Marking—All markings shall conform to the drawings. Each shelter shall be serially numbered
and provided with a nameplate in accordance with applicable drawings (see X1.2).
5.10.1 Interior Markings—Interior markings shall be as shown and in the locations shown on the applicable drawings.
5.10.2 Exterior Markings—The shelter shall be provided with specific exterior markings as shown on the applicable drawings.
6. Performance Requirements
2 2
6.1 Floor Loads—The shelter floor shall be capable of supporting a uniform load of 65 lb/ft (320 kg/m ). The shelter floor shall
2 2
be capable of supporting a concentrated load of 2000 lb (910 kg) over a 4 ft (0.4 m ) area at the center of the floor. The floor shall
2 2
also be capable of supporting a point load of 125 lb/in. (9 kg/m ) Loads shall not cause any permanent deformation of the floors
or cause any deflection that interferes with proper shelter operation, when tested as specified in 7.98.9.
2 2
6.2 Roof Loads—The roof assembly of the shelter shall withstand a snow load of 40 lb/ft (200 kg/m ) and a personnel load of
2 2
660 lb (300 kg) static over 2 ft (0.2 m ) when tested as specified in 7.108.10.
6.3 Door Loads—Container doors shall be tested to withstand the following loads without deformation or impairment of
function:
6.3.1 Static Door (Hinge) Load—The doors, frames, and hardware shall be capable of supporting 200 lb (90 kg) applied to the
door at the edge opposite the hinge pivot line with the door open to approximately 90° when tested as specified in 7.118.11.
6.3.2 Wind Gust Door (Stop) Load—The doors, frames and hardware shall withstand a wind gust of 60 mph (100 km/h) in any
direction when the door is secured in its open position by its door stop device when tested as specified in 7.118.11.
6.4 Step Assembly—The completely mounted step assembly shall withstand a vertical load of 500 lb (225 kg) applied to the
outer section without deformation of the assembly or supporting structure when tested as specified in 7.128.12.
6.5 Airtightness—The shelter shall not permit air leakage beyond specified limits when tested as specified in 7.138.13.
6.6 Temperature Range:
6.6.1 Nonoperating Temperature—The shelter shall withstand exposure to a temperature range of –60 to 160°F160 °F (–51 to
71°C).71 °C).
6.6.2 Operational Temperature—The shelter shall be dependable and operable in an ambient temperature range of –60 to
125°F125 °F (–51 to 52°C)52 °C) plus a solar load such that the outer skin reaches a temperature of 200°F (93°C),200 °F (93 °C),
when tested as specified in 7.148.14, 7.158.15, and 7.268.26.
6.7 Humidity and Temperature Aging (Components)—The shelter components shall be capable of withstanding the conditions
of a minimum 95 % relative humidity at 200°F (93°C).200 °F (93 °C). There shall be no evidence of delamination, cracking,
corrosion, or deterioration when tested as specified in 7.168.16.
6.8 Blackout—There shall be no internal light visible from outside of the unit in the shelter mode when tested as specified in
7.178.17.
6.9 Insert Strength—When tested as specified in 7.198.19, the inserts indicated in Table 2 shall withstand loads equal to 80 %
of the applicable strengths shown in Table 2 without failure and as indicated in Table 3.
6.10 Rail Transportability—The shelter, when tested as specified (see 7.208.20), shall be capable of withstanding, without
damage, the shocks normally induced by rail transport.
6.11 Impact Resistance—The shelter panel shall be impact resistant when tested as specified in 7.218.21.
TABLE 3 Insert Strength (Working Loads)
Insert (Diameter
Pull-out, lb (kg) Torque, ft-lb (J)
Thread Size)
10-32 800 (360) 8 (11)
⁄4-28 800 (360) 16 (22)
⁄16-24 1600 (725) 16 (22)
⁄8-24 1600 (725) 32 (43)
E1976 − 19
6.12 Drop Test—The shelter when tested as specified in 7.228.22 shall show no evidence of damage as a result of the drop test.
6.13 Towing—The shelter shall show no evidence of damage when tested as specified in 7.238.23.
6.14 Water Leakage—The shelter shall show no evidence of leakage when tested as specified in 7.248.24.
6.15 Fluorescent Light Temperature—Shelter fluorescent light assemblies shall show no failure when tested as specified in
7.258.25.
6.16 Solar Load—The shelter shall withstand a solar load test when tested as specified in 7.268.26.
6.17 Operational Fitness—The shelter shall prove functional when tested as specified in 7.278.27.
6.18 Heat Transfer—The overall coefficient of heat transfer of the shelter shall not exceed 0.39 BTU per hour per square foot
per degree Fahrenheit (2.2 Watts per square metre per degree Kelvin) (see 7.368.36).
7. Other Requirements
7.1 Requirements and testing for lifting, six high stacking, longitudinal restraint, racking, lashing, endwall strength, sidewall
strength, and lifting from fork lift pockets shall conform to ISO 1496-1 when tested as specified in 7.288.28 – 7.358.35.
7.2 First Article—When specified, a sample shall be subjected to first article inspection (see 8.19.1, X1.2, and X1.3).
7.3 Inspection Comparison Testing Sample—When specified (see X1.2), the contractor shall furnish a sample for comparison
inspection and approval (see 8.19.1 and X1.4).
7.4 Manuals—Unless otherwise specified (see X1.2), technical manuals shall be provided with each shelter. Stowage provisions
for the manuals shall be located as shown on the applicable drawings.
8. Test Methods
8.1 Electrical Continuity Testing—Test every end item as specified in 7.408.40. Any test failure shall be cause for rejection of
the end item.
8.2 Water Leakage and Operational Testing—Test the first ten production units as specified in 7.248.24, 7.24.18.24.1, and
7.24.38.24.3. If no failures are experienced, test five of the next ten production units. If no failures are experienced on the 50 %
sample, test one of each 25 production units thereafter. Any failure on sampled units shall be cause for rejection of the lot and return
to 1008 testing; repeat the above procedure (starting with the units of that lot).
8.2.1 Water Leakage (Fully Loaded)—Test one out of every 50 production units as specified in 7.24.28.24.2 and 7.24.38.24.3.
Notify the purchaser of any test failure within 72 h. Prepare a failure analysis report with corrective action defined, and test one
out of the next ten production units followed by one out of the next fifty if no failures occur.
8.3 Performance Testing—Test one end item from each inspection lot as specified in 7.138.13 (shelter mode only) and 7.268.26.
After successful completion of these tests, test the end item sample as specified in 7.178.17. The size of the inspection lot shall
not exceed 25 shelters. Any test failure shall be cause for rejection of the lot.
8.4 Paint Adhesion Testing—Test one of every forty production units as specified in 7.378.37. Test this unit in the deployed
mode only after storage in a 70°F (21°C)70 °F (21 °C) minimum temperature indoor environment for 168 h minimum, after topcoat
painting. Notify the purchaser of any test failure within 72 h. Prepare a failure analysis report with corrective action defined, and
test one out of the next ten production units, followed by one out of the next forty if no failures occur.
8.5 Packaging Examination—Make an examination to determine that preservation and packing comply with Section 4.9.95.9.9.
Score defects in accordance with Table 4. The sample unit shall be one shelter fully packaged except the mechanical seals on the
doors may be omitted to facilitate inspection. When omitted for internal inspection, after acceptance of the lot for preservation,
apply mechanical door seals to the shelters and then inspect the lot of shelters subsequently for sealing. The lot shall be the number
of shelters offered for inspection at one time. The inspection level shall be II, and the AQL, expressed in terms of defects per
hundred units, shall be 2.5.
8.6 Thermal Shock Test—Within 30 min after the exposure cycling of 7.168.16 has been completed, subject the panel specimens
to a –65°F (–54°C)–65 °F (–54 °C) environment for 4 h to evaluate the effects of thermal shock. After thermal shock, inspect the
panel specimens for delamination (see 7.388.38), corrosion, and material degradation. Any delamination, corrosion, or material
degradation shall constitute a failure of the test.
8.7 Panel Interchange Test—Interchange two fixed walls with the same part number randomly selected from the first article or
production lot of completed shelters, as applicable. Accomplish the interchange by removing the bolts, interchanging walls, and
reinstalling the bolts (see 4.3.45.3.4). Any wall that cannot be fully interchanged shall constitute a failure of the test.
8.8 Insert Proof Load Test—The test fixtures shall be fashioned by the contractor and approved by the purchaser prior to use,
to evaluate the inserts using bolts of the applicable thread size. Apply loads to the insert in a tightening and loosening direction
and hold at the specified torque for a minimum of 5 s. Fashion the test fixtures to induce only a twisting load to the insert for the
E1976 − 19
TABLE 4 Packaging Defects
Examine Defect
Workmanship Doors are not closed, latched, and mechanically sealed
Exterior Exterior electrical connections are not covered and covers are
not secure (hand pressure)
Expandable wall corner post cam latch handles are not in
locked position with pin in retaining hole
Puncture in exterior skin
Damage (such as bending, gouging, or denting) to frame
ends or to fork lift opening
Steps are not folded closed
Any other protruding or not stowed part
Workmanship Equipment container is not secured in place
Interior Parts in the equipment container are not in accordance with
the list of the parts
The four lift jacks are not secured on the doors
The two leveling jacks are not secured on the cargo door
The support struts are not secured with lock pin in place
The removable light fixtures are not secured to the fixed
ceiling by four captive studs with stowage bracket plunger
locked
The movable utility outlets are not secured to the hinged
endwalls by their captive screws
The area light and cable are not secured to the interior of the
personnel end panel with the retaining wing nuts secured
(hand pressure)
The area light does contain a bulb (bulb should be packaged
and packed in the equipment container)
Any circuit breaker not in the OFF position
The circuit breaker box keys are not inside the box
Air vents are not secured closed
Environmental control units (ECU), panels are not stowed
securely on the fixed ceiling
Any other loose or not stowed part
torque test and, primarily, only on axial tensile load through the centerline of the insert for the pull-out test. Apply the reaction
load from the insert pull-out fixture onto the test specimen panel, to the panel outside of a 3 in. (75 mm) radius measured from
the centerline of the insert.
8.8.1 Insert Torque—To determine compliance with the torque requirements in 5.43.5.3,, apply a torque load equal to the torque
strength cited in Table 2 to the two identical inserts of each size (1-H, 1-V) potted in the test specimen panel cited in 8.1.19.1.1
and 9.210.2. Torque load applied shall be equal to torque strength cited in Table 2 for applicable size. Inability of any insert to
meet specification requirement shall constitute a failure of the test.
8.8.2 Insert Pull-Out—To determine compliance with the pull-out requirements of 4.45.4, a tensile pull load equal to pull-out
strength cited in Table 2 shall be applied to two identical inserts of each size (1-H, 1-V) potted into the test specimen cited in
8.1.19.1.1 and 9.210.2. Failure of the potting compound to hold the insert firmly in panel shall constitute failure of the test.
8.9 Floor Loads Test-Static Load—The floor loads test-static load shall be as specified in Specification E1925.
8.10 Roof Load Test—The roof load test shall be as specified in Specification E1925.
8.11 Door Load Test—The door load test shall be as specified in Specification E1925.
8.12 Step Test—Suspend a 500 lb (225 kg) weight from the outer end of a step assembly for 5 min and remove the load. Any
permanent deformation or local delamination (see 7.388.38), shall constitute failure of this test.
8.13 Airtightness Test—The shelter airtightness test shall be as specified in Specification E1925.
8.14 Low Temperature Test—Cold soak the shelter with shelter components and maximum payload packaged within, first at
–60°F (–51°C)–60 °F (–51 °C) temperature for a minimum of 24 h in a mechanically refrigerated cold chamber. At the end of the
24 h period and while at –60°F (–51°C),–60 °F (–51 °C), erect the shelter. Operate all hardware (for example, latches, doors,
knockout panels, and so forth) and examine the shelter and its components for any damage. Do not move lights or electrical
receptacles into position at this time. Raise the chamber temperature to –25°F (–32°C).–25 °F (–32 °C). Allow the chamber to
stabilize at –25°F (–32°C)–25 °F (–32 °C) for 4 h. Hook up a power source to the shelter. Operate circuit breakers, blackout
emergency switch, and emergency incandescent lights. The fluorescent ceiling lights shall not be operated at –25°F (–32°C),–25 °F
(–32 °C), since they are rated for a minimum of 0°F (–18°C)0 °F (–18 °C) operation. Next, return the shelter to normal operating
conditions and cycle all doors, electrical components, and hardware. After operation and inspection of all components, close the
shelter for shipment and re-examine for component damage and material degradation. The finding of any material or panel
degradation or the inability of any hardware to function properly during this test shall constitute failure of the low temperature test.
E1976 − 19
8.15 High Temperature Test—Subject the shelter with shelter components and maximum payload packaged within, to a 160°F
(71°C)160 °F (71 °C) storage test cycle and a 125°F (52°C)125 °F (52 °C) operational test cycle. Soak the shelter in a chamber
for at least 6 h at the storage test temperature and for 24 h at the operational test temperature prior to initiation of the operation
phase of the operational test cycle. At 125°F (52°C),125 °F (52 °C), erect the shelter and operate circuit breakers, blackout
emergency switch, emergency incandescent light, and fluorescent lights. All doors, vent openings, panel closeouts, and operational
hardware shall be functional. Return the shelter to normal atmospheric conditions and cycle all doors, electrical components, and
hardware. After operation and inspection of all components, close the shelter for shipment and then examine for component
damage and material and panel degradation. The finding of any material or panel degradation or the inability of any hardware to
function properly shall constitute failure of the high temperature test.
8.16 Humidity and Temperature Aging Test—Subject all hardware (latches, handles, hinges, jacks, tools, light fixtures, and so
forth) and a 4 by 8 ft (1.2 by 2.4 m) specimen of each thickness composite panel (without edge numbers) to fifteen continuous
48 h cycles of the moisture resistance test in accordance with Method 507 of MIL-STD-810. After cycling has been completed,
any evidence of delamination, cracking, corrosion, or deterioration to any component, and any malfunction of any hardware or
panel specimen shall constitute a failure of the test.
8.17 Blackout Test—Place the shelter in a dark environment. Suspend a light source of two 100 W bulbs operation at rated
voltage from the ceiling brackets of the shelter. With all covers in place and doors closed, observe the unit at a 25 ft (7.6 m) distance
to ensure that no rays of lighting are visible to normal unaided eyesight. Visibility of any light at specified distance shall constitute
failure of the test.
8.18 Panel Watertightness Test—Weigh and then float the shelter panel horizontally, with the sealed side down, in a tank of
water. Submerge approximately three-fourths of the thickness of the floating panel in water, using hold down devices if necessary.
Seal the panel on the surface which is located on the shelter exterior when the shelter is in its open configuration. Panel sealing
for the test panel shall be equivalent to the sealing performed on all production panels, excess sealant on rivet heads, panel edges,
or areas not normally sealed in production shall not be allowed. Submerge the panel for 6 h. At the end of this period remove it
from the water, hand dry, and reweigh within 15 min. The panel shall not gain more than 0.1 % of its original weight upon
reweighing. If a failure occurs, determine the source of the leak and fix. Then retest the panel using the above procedure. Upon
passing this test, check all panels in the lot for similar deficiencies and repair in the same manner as the sample panel. The scale
for determining panel weight shall be accurate to 0.1 lb (50 g).
8.19 Insert Working Load Test—Apply a working torque load and pull-out load to all inserts incorporated in the shelter panels.
Perform this test using torque and pull-out loads as specified in Table 3. Use the same devices used to perform the test specified
in 7.88.8, for this test. Failure of potting compound to hold any insert firmly in panel shall constitute failure of this test.
8.20 Rail Transportability Test—Test the shelter at a gross weight of 15 000 lb (6875 kg) for rail transport as specified in
MIL-STD-810. Secure the test payload to prevent shelter damage due to the load shifting on impact.
8.21 Impact Resistance Test—Test as specified in Specification E1925, except that the panel shall meet the following acceptance
criteria: No rupture of the impacting or opposite skin, or both, is allowed. No delamination of the opposite skin to core is allowed.
Outside a 3 in. (75 mm) radius (except 3 ⁄2 in. (90 mm) radius for fixed floor panel) from the “center of impact” (that shall coincide
with the approximate center of the test panel specimen), no delamination of impacting skin to core shall be allowed and crushing
or collapsing of the core shall not be allowed. Outside a 5 in. (125 mm) radius from the “center of impact” (which shall coincide
with the approximate center of the test panel specimen), core shear failure shall not be allowed.
8.22 Drop Test—The shelter, in the container mode, and with a uniformly distributed payload such that the gross weight equals
15 000 lb (6875 kg) shall withstand drops of 6 in. (150 mm) onto a level concrete type surface. Utilize a quick release hook that
ensures that the shelter falls freely the full 6 in. (150 mm) Any evidence of splits or tears on the bottom, deformation, buckling,
delamination (see 7.388.38), or structural weakness to any part of the shelter, and doors and panels not operating properly during
erection and striking shall constitute failure of the test.
8.22.1 Flat Drop—Lift the shelter 6 in. (150 mm) high using a four cable sling and allow the shelter to fall freely so that the
bottom impacts onto a hard concrete surface.
8.22.2 Rotational Drop—Place a 4 in. (100 mm) high (nominal) board under the ISO fittings at one edge of the shelter. Lift the
opposite edge of the shelter 6 + ⁄4 in. (160 mm) from the ground. Take measurements from the outer edge of the ISO fittings at
the two raised corners of the shelter. The range of the two measurements shall not exceed ⁄4 in. (6 mm). Release the shelter and
allow it to fall freely such that the ISO fittings impact onto a hard concrete surface. After all four rotational drops, the requirements
of 5.126.12 shall be met.
8.23 Towing Test—Load the shelter, in its container mode, to a gross weight of 15 000 lb (6875 kg) and then tow from the
leading edge; lower ISO fittings for a minimum of 200 ft (61 m) forward and 200 ft (61 m) backward over rough plowed ground
at a speed of 3 to 5 mph (5 to 8 km/h). Perform two right angle turns on soft dirt while the shelter is being towed. The initial
position before each of the turns shall be such that the direction of travel of the towing vehicle is perpendicular to the longitudinal
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axis of the 20-ft 20 ft (6.1 m) side and the towing eye of the vehicle is in line with the leading edge of the shelter. Any panel
delamination or structural deformation, except superficial base frame dents and scratches, as a result of towing shall constitute a
failure of the test.
8.24 Water Leakage Test (Shelter Mode)—Expose the shelter in its expanded mode with jacks raised a minimum of 2 in. (50
mm) from ground level to a simulated rainfall of 5 6 1 in./h (125 6 25 mm/h), as measured by a U.S. Weather Bureau type
gage.gauge. Angle direction of the rainfall at 45° from the vertical and space the nozzles to ensure even dispersion over the test
area. Expose the roof with each of the major sides of the shelter in succession, to this angled rainfall for periods of 30 min. Disperse
the rainfall uniformly over the entire test area. Perform this test for 2 h with the shelter in the closed configuration, and for 2 h
with the shelter in the erected configuration. Close and latch all openings and doors. Upon completion of the test, any evidence
of penetration of water into the shelter shall constitute a failure of the test. Alternately, expose the whole shelter for 30 min to the
above test in lieu of exposing each section separately.
8.24.1 Water Leakage Test (Container Mode)—Test the shelter as specified in 7.248.24, except that it shall be in the container
mode.
8.24.2 Water Leakage Test (Shelter Mode Fully Loaded)—Test the shelter as specified in 7.24.18.24.1, except that the maximum
payload for the shelter shall be distributed uniformly on the fixed floor.
8.24.3 Water Leakage Test (Container Mode Fully Loaded)—Test the shelter as specified in 7.248.24; except uniformly
distribute the maximum payload for the shelter on the fixed floor.
8.25 Fluorescent Light Temperature Test—Randomly select three fluorescent light assemblies from all of the light assemblies
of the sample shelters. Test these sample fluorescent light assemblies shall be for performance at 0 F and 125°F125 °F (–18 and
52°C)52 °C) temperature extremes. Note this light test may be performed as an extension of the high and low temperature shelter
tests of this specification. Test all of the sample lights at one temperature extreme, normalize at ambient if acceptable, and then
test at the other extreme. Soak the sample lights and test performance in a chamber at no more than 0°F (–18°C)0 °F (–18 °C) for
the low temperature phase and at no less than 125°F (52°C)125 °F (52 °C) for the high temperature phase. Each soak period shall
be no less than 24 h. While remaining in the chambers, at the completion of the soak period, turn the lights on. If any light does
not provide full, constant illumination within 1 min, shut it off for at least 1 min and then turn on a second
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