Explosive Testing of Polymer Retrofit Masonry Walls
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 18, Issue 2
Abstract
The most widely used terrorist tactic is the improvised explosive device, which can range in size from hand-held to truck-size. Most casualties and injuries sustained in such an attack are not caused by the blast itself, but rather by the disintegration and fragmentation of walls, the shattering of windows, and by nonsecured objects propelled at high velocities by the blast. Since 1995, the Air Force Research Laboratory at Tyndall Air Force Base has investigated methods of retrofitting wall structures to better resist blast loads from external explosions. This paper summarizes results from recent tests that involve an innovative use of a sprayed-on polymer to increase blast resistance of unreinforced concrete masonry walls. Test methodology, retrofit materials considered, material properties, mechanisms of effectiveness, and research challenges are discussed.
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References
Connell, J. D. (2002). “Evaluation of elastomeric polymers for retrofit of unreinforced masonry walls subjected to blast.” Masters thesis, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala.
Knox, K. J., Hammons, M. I., Lewis, T. T., and Porter, J. R. (2000). Polymer materials for structural retrofit, Force Protection Branch, Air Expeditionary Forces Technology Division, Air Force Research Laboratory, Tyndall AFB, Fla.
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Copyright © 2004 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 18, 2003
Accepted: Sep 3, 2003
Published online: Apr 15, 2004
Published in print: May 2004
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