Use of Precast Concrete Walls for Blast Protection of Steel Stud Construction
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 25, Issue 5
Abstract
This research study examines the use of a precast concrete panel system for blast protection of facilities with exterior light gauge metal stud walls. The structural retrofit is designed for the specific case where internal operation of the facility cannot be interrupted. To meet this design requirement, a series of precast concrete panels are installed exterior to the building envelope with connections to the foundation at ground level and to the steel building frame at upper floor levels. To validate the retrofit concept, two explosive detonations representing relatively low and high blast threat levels are examined. An exterior insulation and finishing system (EIFS) clad stud wall and a precast concrete protected stud wall are examined under each demand level. The measured responses of both systems are compared with each other and with basic dynamic predictive models. In addition, a finite element study of the connection is conducted to estimate support demands for the blast retrofit. The research results show that the precast wall system provides effective protection of the exterior wall. The research also shows that EIFS clad metal stud wall systems retain significant resilience under blast demands. The dynamic responses of the systems are predictable using standard elastic-plastic dynamic modeling assumptions.
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Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory. The writers would like to thank the technicians who assisted with the experimental program. In addition, the writers would like to thank Peet Needham at Atlanta Structural Concrete for donation of the panels used in the research program, Jason Krohn at the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute for technical support, and Linda Kaplan of Gannett Fleming Engineers and Architects in New York City for the finite-element analysis study conducted.
References
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© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 10, 2010
Accepted: Mar 10, 2011
Published online: Mar 12, 2011
Published in print: Oct 1, 2011
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