Innovative Steel Stud Walls for Blast Resistance: From Conceptual Design to Implementation

Over the past 15 years, and particularly following the events of September 11th 2001, there has been increasing demand to incorporate blast resistance in important government and commercial facilities. To resist these blast threats, designers have typically specified building envelopes comprised of reinforced concrete or masonry walls. Unfortunately, these walls are costly to build and are not amenable to portable construction, a frequent need for military applications. Recognizing this, the Department of Defense and several other agencies have expended significant funds to develop more economical, light-weight solutions to provide the needed personnel protection against explosive threats. A promising option can be found in ground breaking SEB-Wall Systems. Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Inc. (SGH) led an extensive experimental and analytical program to develop the SEB-Wall, and demonstrate its ability to resist high blast threats equivalent to large vehicle bombs or very long duration vapor cloud explosion events.

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