Explosive Testing of Polymer Retrofit Masonry Walls |
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Authors: | James S Davidson Jonathan R Porter Robert J Dinan Michael I Hammons James D Connell |
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Affiliation: | 1Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL?35294. 2Senior Research Engineer, Air Force Research Laboratory, 139 Barnes Dr., Suite 2, Tyndall AFB, FL?32403. 3Principal Engineer, Applied Research Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 40128, Tyndall AFB, FL?32403. 4Research Assistant, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL?35294.
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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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Keywords: | Polymers Walls Masonry Explosives Terrorism Tests |
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