Blast resistant modules, often simply referred to as BRMs, are high security structures specifically designed to protect personnel by withstanding the blast forces created by an explosion whether from industrial accidents or deliberate terrorist bombings. In addition to protecting lives, blast resistant modules also safeguard critically important equipment.
Modular designs and configuration options make BRMs an excellent choice for any facility at risk for accidental or intentional explosions. And because these modular structures are essentially portable, they can be located in numerous types of locations, such as:
Unfortunately, given the multitude of variables involved in an explosion, including blast duration, magnitude, type of explosive and detonation distance, nothing is truly "blast-proof". A BRM's primary function is to protect personnel by minimizing the destruction caused by explosions. This is why "blast resistant" is the correct term to use much the same way that there isn't really a "bulletproof window".
Explosions are near-instantaneous releases of highly concentrated energy in the form of a powerful shockwave, heat, sound, and light. The shockwave is the important consideration when making protective blast calculations as its destructive energy moves outward from the explosion's epicenter in EVERY direction. While explosions are very powerful, they are incredibly short-lived, beginning and ending within millieconds. This is called blast duration and engineers use this knowledge to calculate and design the structural walls of a BRM to withstand and survive these near-instantaneous explosive forces. Blast Resistant Modules are thus designed to specifically withstand deadly explosive shockwaves. Learn more about the Anatomy of an Explosion at Proto-Talks.
Architects and engineers also take into account “standoff distance” – a measurement of how far away the detonation is from the building or BRM. You likely have wondered why government buildings often are protected by large pedestrian-only areas. These open expanses create a de facto standoff distance, making it extremely difficult for terrorists to drive a car or truck close enough to the building to create the immense damage we witnessed at the Oklahoma City bombing and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
Engineers calculate potential blast forces based on the building’s location and type of building materials with the goal of mitigating the potential damage from an accident or terrorist event. There are no universal standards for BRMs at this time. However, there are best practices defined by the American Petroleum Institute (API 752 & 753) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE 41088).
Protogetic is the protective design industry’s leader in high security products to keep your people, equipment and facility safe. We have certified Blast Resistant Modules & Security Structures, as well as blast resistant doors and blast windows, to address all your project's safety and security requirements. Use our groundbreaking FREE filter to search and find exactly what you need in mere seconds! Save time and get more work done. Visit Protogetic.com today.
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