The previous bombing incidents in different parts of the world show that even the building occupants 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 casualties due to structural failure.
It only shows that most buildings are not built with blast resistant design. And now is the time for building owners and construction and design professionals to take this matter seriously. Even though there's no perfect blast resistant design for establishments, it's important that building owners prefer architects and engineers that are particularly knowledgeable on infrastructure protection. These professionals can help design a building that can withstand an explosion.
Usually, it depends on the owner if he or she wants to have a blast resistant building. While some owners may argue that evacuation can be used as a key mitigation strategy, blast resistance is more an appealing option since complete evaluation is impossible to do when incidences like this occur.
But for buildings that are designed for critical services, it is expected to have a blast resistant design. For example, employees in a firefighting department need to stay inside the building to protect emergency response equipment such as fire firefighting vehicles and spill control equipment. A company that handles multiple units or a particularly high risk unit also needs to occupy a building with blast resistant design.
Technically, the terms blast resistant and blast proof are different. Blast resistant is the term used for lower exposure protected buildings. Hence, blast resistant buildings would have a resistance to some 3 psi overpressure. The term blast proof, on the other hand, applies to buildings that could survive an overpressure wave from an explosion of 10 psi.
Indeed, in today's society when bombing can happen in the most unexpected place and time, designing blast proof or blast resistant buildings is very important. Blast designs for buildings do not only help protect lives due to the added physical security but these also prove more cost-effective in the long run.
It only shows that most buildings are not built with blast resistant design. And now is the time for building owners and construction and design professionals to take this matter seriously. Even though there's no perfect blast resistant design for establishments, it's important that building owners prefer architects and engineers that are particularly knowledgeable on infrastructure protection. These professionals can help design a building that can withstand an explosion.
Usually, it depends on the owner if he or she wants to have a blast resistant building. While some owners may argue that evacuation can be used as a key mitigation strategy, blast resistance is more an appealing option since complete evaluation is impossible to do when incidences like this occur.
But for buildings that are designed for critical services, it is expected to have a blast resistant design. For example, employees in a firefighting department need to stay inside the building to protect emergency response equipment such as fire firefighting vehicles and spill control equipment. A company that handles multiple units or a particularly high risk unit also needs to occupy a building with blast resistant design.
Technically, the terms blast resistant and blast proof are different. Blast resistant is the term used for lower exposure protected buildings. Hence, blast resistant buildings would have a resistance to some 3 psi overpressure. The term blast proof, on the other hand, applies to buildings that could survive an overpressure wave from an explosion of 10 psi.
Indeed, in today's society when bombing can happen in the most unexpected place and time, designing blast proof or blast resistant buildings is very important. Blast designs for buildings do not only help protect lives due to the added physical security but these also prove more cost-effective in the long run.
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