At WHP TrainingtowersTM we have designed and built over 900 fire industry training projects in the last four decades. We were the first to introduce both pre-engineered buildings and thermal insulating systems (Padgenite™) to the fire training industry. Before we introduced our metal training towers, many fire departments were utilizing acquired structures or traditionally constructed buildings for training purposes. WHP training towers offer so many advantages versus other fire training towers. One of the biggest benefits is the fact that our buildings are designed and built to last.
Why WHP Towers Last
Our towers are designed from the ground up with durability and longevity in mind. WHP TrainingtowersTM uses a proven building system introduced in 1949. We have made improvements along the way and continue to innovate and lead the training tower industry. Here are several unique ways our towers are built to be durable and stand the test of time:
Corrugated Cladding
Our cladding is comprised of structural panels with 4.5” deep corrugations embedded with a series of smaller corrugations. Not only are these structural panels much thicker than found in most commercially available metal buildings (at least 18 gauge), this “compound corrugation” greatly increases the strength of the panel. In fact, the support strength of WHP cladding can equal that of a steel girder of the same length and weight. The added strength means we can span wide areas unlike traditional construction requiring interior columns. This creates open spaces and increases the design flexibility. Because no two fire departments are alike, no two have the same training needs. This flexibility allows us to build unique towers designed for whatever type of training is needed. From confined space, to rappelling, to ship’s ladders, we can accommodate it.
Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel
Our panels are not only strong, they resist corrosion. Rather than just being sprayed with a galvanizing material, they are hot-dipped into a vat of galvanizing material at a high temperature. This assures complete bonding and a long-lasting superior coating that resists rust and corrosion in all types of environments. This is especially important in a fire training environment where water is common. Our galvanized structures adhere to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A123 which exceeds the 50-year mark on the “time to first maintenance” (TFM) chart.
Secondary Framing System
To meet the demands of the fire service, we further strengthened the building by adding a secondary framing system of 12 gauge steel columns. Without structural modification, our building system is capable of meeting the most stringent wind load and seismic requirements in the country. Our buildings have been through hurricanes and tornadoes in Florida, Guam, and North Dakota and they’re still standing.
Buildings Designed Solely for Fire Training
WHP TrainingtowersTM is owned and operated by fire service professionals and designed solely for the purpose of training fire and emergency service professionals. We are the only company in the world able to offer customized structures of this quality to the industry. Our first structure was built in the early 1980s in Kotzebue, AK. It has been in service for over 40 years and is still going strong!
