QUAKEWRAP RESISTS EXTREME PRESSURES CAUSED DURING BLAST EXPLOSIONS
QuakeWrap is an economical Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) system for protecting buildings against blast loads. Recent tests have clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of QuakeWrap™ in resisting extreme pressures caused during a blast explosion. Tests were conducted on two identical unreinforced masonry block walls. One of the walls was retrofitted by applying QuakeWrap™ fabric to both sides of the wall; the other wall remained unretrofitted as a control specimen.
Loading was simulated by 200 pounds of equivalent TNT placed at a height of 3 feet and a distance of 30 feet away from the walls. This resulted in a pressure of 200 psi (pounds per square inch) on the walls. For comparison, this is 720 times more load than the 40 psf (pounds per square foot) load that is used for the design of a typical floor system in a building.
The wall deflected 9 inches but remained fully intact even though the block units inside the wall crushed in compression (as expected according to the design of the wall). Because of the construction of the wall that included narrow gaps along the vertical edges, some of the blast wave pressure penetrated inside the room. Nevertheless, that pressure inside the room was only about 4.2 psi. Ear drum damage and lung collapse usually occur at 5 and 10 psi, respectively. Thus, it is clear that the occupants of the room retrofitted with QuakeWrap™ would have survived the blast.
The wall deflected 9 inches but remained fully intact even though the block units inside the wall crushed in compression (as expected according to the design of the wall). Because of the construction of the wall that included narrow gaps along the vertical edges, some of the blast wave pressure penetrated inside the room. Nevertheless, that pressure inside the room was only about 4.2 psi. Ear drum damage and lung collapse usually occur at 5 and 10 psi, respectively. Thus, it is clear that the occupants of the room retrofitted with QuakeWrap™ would have survived the blast.
BLAST PROTECTION FEATURES
- Designs for all loading conditions including Progressive Collapse
- Walls, floors and columns can be retrofitted with CFRP
- Minimal increase in member size (typically ½ inch or 13 mm)
- Repairs are fast and often completed in a few days
- Finished installation can be coated, making it hardly visible
BLAST RETROFIT & BLAST PROTECTION
Increased threat of terrorism and defence against accidental explosion are two main reasons why many government, military and industrial facilities seek force protection against blast loads. QuakeWrap carbon FRP (CFRP) reinforcement has been tested in government laboratories and is a proven protection system against severe blast loads that is trusted by the U.S. Military, the United Nations and industrial clients.