Would kevlar be cost prohibitive as a building covering?

Question

When building frames become hurricane-proof, frame coverings will have a different structural application.
Kevlar and fire-proof materials will be able to be added to theses new frame coverings, as a composite material additive. Since the frames will already contain the structural aspects of current rigid-materialed panels that are used to assist the frames, will there be developed, cost-effective frame coverings that will address things like water-repellency, fire-resiliency, and so on?

First two answers are fantastic, third one confusing, so here are some re-confirmings of what my question is about:
As Continuous Reinforcing of the buiding frame will reduce certain structural aspects of the frame coverings, the structural designing of the coverings will change also. There will be structural applications for the coverings, but not as much to the covering's attachments and shear-resistance factors that are currently requiring the coverings to be rigid-paneled. The shear-resistances will be in the framework already, so new ways to use frame coverings, both structurally and in better and more protective ways, will develop. Kevlar was mentioned because its impact resistance feature can fill the spaces between these new frames and the openings (structural) allowed. This gives complete perimeter structure/building impact and other protections full coverage without changing to bunker style structures. Architectural styles, design varieties, freedoms continue!

Answer 1

Kevlar is just tightly compacted fabric and glass. As more is made the price would come down. Its good for stopping impacts but its pretty brittle for supporting things.

Answer 2

Hello Eggster -

As a composite, kevlar is neither especially water repellant nor fire-resistant. It can be modified to be water-resistant by adding expensive coatings, but normal building materials - including steel - will withstand a fire better than kevlar. The big advantage that kevlar offers is impact resistance (e.g. bulletproof vests) - and it does this by massive stretching / deformation. So, in order for it to function as a structural material (which I don't think you said), the building would have to fall down, but the kevlar would be stretched way out of shape and intact. Kevlar is also MUCH more expensive than conventional materials. Using kevlar as a non-structural protective layer is basically paying for a material and not using it for it's fundamental purpose, which is structural.

Kevlar is one of the higher cost composites. I have looked at using composite materials in all sorts of aerospace applications, where safety is paramount. Usually, they are not cost-effective. There are exceptions, but kevlar does not usually make sense for these exceptions. In general, if a composite is called for that does not require bullet proofing (and even sometimes those that do), there are lower cost e-glass, s-glass, or carbon fiber composites that are better choices. But if you are looking for a protective layer, then I would investigate coatings or simple panels before I would pay for the expensive cloth layup.

ADDED: Eggster - Please help me understand. The panels are protecting against what? And structurally, are they supporting anything other than their own weight?

Answer 3

Sounds like you are "Oakland-proofing" your buildings here, not Hurricane proofing.

:-)