Blast Protection of Buildings—Structural Systems, Protected Spaces, Building Envelope, and Glazing: Fid-Bau Portal

Blast Protection of Buildings—Structural Systems, Protected Spaces, Building Envelope, and Glazing

Smilowitz, Robert / Lin, Lorraine

This paper discusses the chapters of the newly published ASCE Standard, "Blast Protection of Buildings" (ASCE/SEI 59-11) on Structural Systems, Protected Spaces, Exterior Envelopes, and Fragmentation. This portion of the Standard addresses the features of structural analysis and design that may be used to improve the performance of structures in response to air-blast loading. It also includes the design of the exterior envelope, which is typically the weakest element of a building as well as the costliest to construct because of its large area. Chapter 6 addresses the protection of new versus existing construction; the relationship between aseismic design and blast resistance; analytical methods and modeling; characteristics of air-blast loads; and the prevention of progressive collapse. Chapter 7 addresses issues related to protected spaces and the hardening of interior partitions, walls, slabs, stairwell enclosures and plenums. The different levels of protection are related to performance-based design criteria. Chapter 8 defines the design intent for the building envelope in terms of the hazard-based and resistance-based approaches. Performance and construction requirements for new construction and retrofits are presented for glazing systems and doors; exterior wall systems, such as concrete, masonry and steel wall construction; roof systems; debris mitigating systems and venting. Finally, Chapter 5 addresses primary and secondary fragmentation and methods for predicting the hazards of airborne fragments.