Modeling and Shock Tube Testing of Architectural Glazing Systems for Blast Resistance

Abstract

Building envelope is a critical line of defense against external explosions, and laminated glass can greatly reduce the hazard of flying shards. Blast-resistant glazing research exists, but few areas remain unexplored related to resistance and blast response of the window system, the effect of the negative phase of the blast wave, and the dynamic reactions transmitted to the window frame and supporting structure. Therefore, dynamic numerical simulations and shock tube testing are presented in this paper. The dynamic response, in terms of center deflection and dynamic reactions, is measured and compared with the numerical results using the blast positive and negative phases. The measured dynamic material response of the interlayers was used for the model. The numerical model deflections and dynamic reactions correlated well within the first few peaks of the measured response of the glazing systems. The results of this study can be used to improve existing methods for predicting the response and dynamic reactions of structural glazing under blast, and to provide affordable design recommendations.