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Blast protection and pressure relief systems
August 24, 2017
Explosives have become the weapon of choice for terrorists around the world, and the force of these blasts can wreak havoc on standard building materials. As an explosion impacts your building, a flying debris field is created which can cause a variety of injuries to your building’s occupants. In fact, studies show that lacerations due to high-speed flying glass fragments are responsible for a significant number of injuries sustained in explosions. Less flying debris equals less chance of injury, and because they’re designed to “flex” with the force of an explosive blast while remaining intact and secure in the opening, Guardian 275® Translucent Daylighting Panels can reduce the amount of dangerous fragments created by an explosion.
Guardian 275® translucent daylighting systems also shield occupants from a direct line of sight. Potential terrorists observing from busy streets and other uncontrolled locations are offered few clues to the activity within occupied spaces while interior spaces are enhanced with glare-free, energy-saving daylighting.
Tested, Abused – and Performance Verified
During a series of tests conducted by Baker Engineering and Risk Consultants Inc., a world-renowned engineering and testing firm, a variety of Guardian 275® panels were attached to a large shock tube, a test device that creates specific pressures and applied impulses (an applied impulse, measured in psi-msec, is equal to the net force on the panel times the time period over which this force is applied) to simulate the effects of an actual explosive device.
Guardian 275® panel configurations were put through a range of pressures and impulses in order to thoroughly evaluate their blast resistance and safety. A machine-generated blast pressure range of 5 to 6 psi, with applied impulses between 41 and 69 psi-msec, was chosen to test commonly specified blast loads for anti-terrorism protection of buildings in the United States. To put these numbers into a real-world scenario, a similar blast load of 5 psi could snap a wooden utility pole. A larger applied pressure of 10 psi with an applied impulse of 90 psi-msec was used to generate a medium level blast load that studies show could cause significant structural damage and serious health risks. Testing conducted in the 5 to 6 psi range showed that Guardian 275® panels resisted the applied loads over a range of impulses and retained their structural integrity. The largest applied pressure, used to recreate a devastating medium level blast, was 10 psi with an applied impulse of 90 psi-msec. The Guardian 275® panel once again “flexed” with the pressure and remained intact.
Please view below for high-speed video of a Guardian 275® panel “flexing” with the force of a blast.
Department of Defense (DoD) Minimum Anti-terrorism Standards for Buildings (UFC 4-010-01) for conventional building standoff distances and ISC Security Design Criteria Level C loadingGuardian 275® panels, after going through the most punishing blast tests in the translucent daylighting industry, meet or exceed the following related performance requirements:
- US General Services Administration (GSA) Standard Test Method for Glazing and Window Systems Subject to Dynamic Overpressure Loadings – Condition “1”, Hazard Level “None”
- ASTM F 1642-04 Standard Test Method for Glazing and Glazing Systems Subject to Airblast Loading
- AAMA 510-06 Voluntary Specification Guide for Blast Hazard Mitigation for Fenestration Systems
Since specific system configurations are dependent on a variety of factors, including stand-off distances and additional conditions, please contact us at 888-759-2678 or [email protected] for more information.
Pressure Release Systems
For test laboratories, research facilities and other high risk areas, Guardian 275® systems can also be fitted with third-party certified fasteners that relieve sudden pressure surges by releasing the panels before structural damage occurs. Stainless steel safety lanyards keep the panels attached to the framing, minimizing the risk to people and property.
Company: Major Industries Inc.
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