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The Science of "Blast Resistant"
Blast Resistant
Buildings are here to protect life and to some extent goods (information). Regardless of whether we want to protect against
bullets, hurricanes and/or terrorist attacks we constantly look for ways to make our infrastructure safer and stronger. Some
have argued that the blast resistant windows at the Pentagon strengthened the walls and prevented further structural collapse
in the areas close to the crash site. While this issue is worthwhile discussing, let us take a look the other side
of the coin.
We are hereby referring to those firefighters arriving at the Pentagon and unable to gain
quick access to the inside using the windows adjacent to the crash site due to their lack of protocols pertaining to how their
engines should be equipped when responding to retrofitted and/or new government buildings emergencies. Government
buildings and industries using blast resistant windows and doors rarely let their fire department/marshals know what
exact level of protection they have implemented (for obvious security reasons) with the fear that this information could
be easily be leaked.
Research has been conducted to try to establish viable protocols that could easily be implemented
by all fire departments. Having the right tool for the right situation makes the difference between penetrating and eggressing
safely and in a timely fashion to and from the site.
These findings will soon be posted on this page. Thank you
for your patience!
In the meantime, you might be interested in learning some more about the science of building,
maintaining and retrofitting blast resistant buildings.
Online Valuable Information on "Blast Resistant Glass"
While looking for that information online, we found that the most interesting
and/or relevant information could be found on the sites of those manufacturing this type of glass. The Emergency Management
Network does not endorse any of these companies and/or their products. We make no representation as to the integrity or
quality of these products or the validity of the statements made by these manufacturers/retailers. This list should serve
as a basic reference on the matter.
DuPont Laminated Glass NewsDuPont Glass Laminating SolutionsGraham Architectural Products - Blast Mitigation Products (check out the powerpoint and the video. They are somewhat informational)
Viracon provides a great list of products with a variety of different types of glass. Worth checking
out!
The USACE Protective Design Center BMAG COTS DATABASE will lead you to the Blast Mitigation Action Group
(BMAG) page (a Department of Defense Computer System). Login takes nothing more than clicking "Login". No info required.
Glass Security USA provides some information on its products and offers a video on their Bullet proof glass.
(Low quality, somewhat informative).
Pacific Bullet Proof Co. offers products such as Bullet Resistant Glass - Bullet Resistant Fiberglass - Bullet
Resistant Polycarbonate & Clad Polycarbonate Glass.
SOON
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Come Back and Visit us to find additional information on government regulations on the matter
and a great presentation on Emergency Response & Blast Resistant Buildings !!
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