The previous bombing incidents in different parts of the globe show that even the people inside the building near the blast site are not safe from the dangers that an explosion could bring. Attesting to it is the high number of fatalities and injuries due to structural failure.
It only shows that now is the time for building owners and construction professionals and designers to consider including basic blast resistant principles in the building's structural plan. It's worth mentioning though that a perfect resistant blast design is non-existent. But hiring architects and engineers that are knowledgeable in this aspect can help reduce the damage that an explosion can bring.
Usually, it is the building owner that decides if a blast resistant design will be included in the plan. Although evacuation sounds a practical mitigation strategy, blast resistance should be considered for buildings because it is impossible to evacuate all the people inside the building in a short period of time.
Buildings that will be used for critical services are also required to have a blast resistant design. For instance, there are companies that handle or control multiple units and need to shut down the entire operation first to ensure that no further damage happens. A specific example of this is the firefighting department. The building they occupy should be resistant to blasts since there are equipment inside that will be crucial in controlling the blast and in rescuing people.
Though used interchangeably, the terms blast resistant and blast proof are actually different. Blast resistant is the more appropriate term for lower exposure protected buildings. Hence, blast resistant buildings would have a resistance to some 3 psi overpressure. On the other hand, the term blast proof applies to buildings that could survive an overpressure wave from an explosion of 10 psi.
Indeed, in today's society when bombing can happen even in the most unexpected place and time, designing blast proof or blast resistant buildings is very important. Blast designs for buildings don't only help save lives due to the added physical security but these also prove more practical in the long run.
It only shows that now is the time for building owners and construction professionals and designers to consider including basic blast resistant principles in the building's structural plan. It's worth mentioning though that a perfect resistant blast design is non-existent. But hiring architects and engineers that are knowledgeable in this aspect can help reduce the damage that an explosion can bring.
Usually, it is the building owner that decides if a blast resistant design will be included in the plan. Although evacuation sounds a practical mitigation strategy, blast resistance should be considered for buildings because it is impossible to evacuate all the people inside the building in a short period of time.
Buildings that will be used for critical services are also required to have a blast resistant design. For instance, there are companies that handle or control multiple units and need to shut down the entire operation first to ensure that no further damage happens. A specific example of this is the firefighting department. The building they occupy should be resistant to blasts since there are equipment inside that will be crucial in controlling the blast and in rescuing people.
Though used interchangeably, the terms blast resistant and blast proof are actually different. Blast resistant is the more appropriate term for lower exposure protected buildings. Hence, blast resistant buildings would have a resistance to some 3 psi overpressure. On the other hand, the term blast proof applies to buildings that could survive an overpressure wave from an explosion of 10 psi.
Indeed, in today's society when bombing can happen even in the most unexpected place and time, designing blast proof or blast resistant buildings is very important. Blast designs for buildings don't only help save lives due to the added physical security but these also prove more practical in the long run.
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