In addition to engaging in the blastresistant window research, AFRL engineers and scientists are investigating several systems designed to prevent wall fragments from penetrating a building’s interior. As a result of this wall debris research, AFRL pioneered various techniques for retrofitting concrete block walls with blast-resistant polymers.¹ Engineers can retrofit existing walls either by spraying or troweling the material onto the wall surface or by installing prepared façade panels to cover the existing surface. These alternatives allow engineers to better match the most suitable application method to the specific need, a determination that normally depends upon factors such as wall area, manpower skills, equipment availability, and budgetary resources. As part of an additional project focused on examining the blast resistance of insulated concrete products widely used in concrete construction, researchers are also evaluating the benefits of polymers for blast protection in new construction (as a stay-in-place concrete form).

Figure 2. Test specimens exposed to 1,000 lb detonation at 75 ft

Dr. Robert Dinan, Mr. Jeff Fisher (Applied Research Associates), and Ms. Mindy Cooper (General Dynamics), of the Air Force Research Laborator y’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, wrote this article. For more information, visit http://www.afrl.af.mil/techconn_index.asp. Reference document ML-H-05-36.

Reference

¹ Anderl, T., Dinan, R., and Porter, J. “Blast Protection Elastomer Coating.” AFRL Technology Horizons®, vol 4, no 3 (Sep 03): 13. http://www.afrlhorizons.com/Briefs/ Sept03/feature1.html.