Blast-resistant building systems

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Portland Cement Association (PCA) and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) have collaborated to conduct research to identify cost-effective, blast-resistant building systems for military construction. The research will be conducted on four of the most widely used commercial-insulated concrete wall systems, including insulating concrete forms (ICFs), precast and tilt-up insulating concrete sandwich panels, exterior insulating cast-in-place walls, and insulated-reinforced masonry veneer and cavity walls. The research will measure the ability of full-scale wall panels to withstand external blast events.

PCA co-funded the research with the U.S. Air Force, with wall assemblies provided by PCA and its industry partners, including Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Tilt-up Concrete Association, Concrete Foundations Association/Concrete Home Council, Insulating Concrete Form Association, National Concrete Masonry Association, Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, Brick Industry Association, and National Ready Mixed Concrete Association.