Review of Glazing and Glazing Systems under Blast Loading

Abstract

The glazing and glazing systems of a building are the first part of a structure to be loaded in an external accidental and/or deliberate explosions; thus, it offers the first line of defense against these extreme loading conditions. Glazing fragments or shards remain a primary source of injury to occupants of buildings after explosive events. As a result, utmost effort must be placed in designing the glazing systems of a building against blast loading to minimize injury and damage. This paper provides an overview of blast loading, the types of glazing products, glazing construction, glazing systems, design objectives, approaches, performance and response criteria, and the code provisions related to the blast-resistant design of glazing and glazing systems used in buildings. In addition, test methods and retrofit strategies for glazing systems are succinctly discussed, and future research areas are highlighted.