Parametric Evaluation for Balanced Design Considerations of Blast-Resistant Windows

The principle of balanced design was developed to control the manner of failure in window systems such that the glass would fail before more catastrophic and damaging failure of anchorage or building substrate. When static loads are considered, determining the capacity of a pane of glass is straightforward. However, when dynamic loads are considered the capacity of the glass is a function of peak pressure, load duration, and load shape. All of these parameters vary with charge weight and standoff. Blast-resistant criteria and design specifications frequently require a balanced design for window systems, in particular. The response of a window system can change significantly depending on how the capacity load of the window system is determined and defined. Based on a review of representative blast-resistant windows evaluated analytically and through explosive testing, key factors are provided for consideration by designers and specification writers to improve balanced design of window systems while maintaining the level of protection required for blast-resistant projects.