Architectural Glass: Blast Mitigation Glass

Product Information

• Introduction
• Capabilities
• Description
• Glass Colors
• Installation Guidelines
• Literature
• Specifications

Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope™'s blast-resistant laminated glass is an excellent glazing choice in all types of buildings that may be subjected to bomb blasts. The tough plastic interlayer holds the glass together after an impact, and with the proper framing systems, the glazing will be retained in the opening. Thus, the amount of flying glass, as well as the consequential injuries, can be dramatically reduced.

The pressure from a bomb typically consists of a wave that rises almost instantaneously to a very high peak pressure that falls back to zero in a very short duration, as measured in milliseconds. For example, a 27 lb. bomb detonated from a stand-off distance of 48 ft. produces a peak pressure of 10 psi (1,440 psf) for 3.3 milliseconds. The area under the pressure time graph is called the impulse and is measured in psi-ms. Blast wave energy decreases very rapidly with distance so that the most effective protection is to increase this "stand-off" distance. However, this is not always a viable or economic option.

The General Services Administration (GSA), which is responsible for all US nonmilitary federal buildings, developed an approach for blast resistance. This approach has been included in the Interagency Security Committee (ISC) document that is now being used to evaluate vulnerability and provide design guidelines for government-owned and leased buildings.

The General Services Administration (GSA), which is responsible for all US nonmilitary federal buildings, developed an approach for blast resistance. This approach has been included in the Interagency Security Committee (ISC) document that is now being used to evaluate vulnerability and provide design guidelines for government-owned and leased buildings.

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