Design and Retrofit of Windows, Walls, and Curtain Walls

The windows, walls, and curtain wall systems of buildings are major sources of risk for their occupants when an explosion occurs nearby. The risk is primarily related to the laceration traumas caused by impacts from the debris generated by the breakup of the glass and other wall materials of which these components are comprised that is caused by the air blast. In addition, the blunt trauma risks resulting from the motion of office furnishings and personnel, which are likely to be blown around inside the building, are also a source of risk to be assessed.

Solutions

K&C has developed several concepts for retrofitting the windows and walls of a facility at minimal cost/disruption, some of which are unique to K&C. These systems are of two basic types: one is to strengthen windows/walls, the other to catch the debris that might emanate from the windows/walls keeping it from entering the building. The protective devices developed by K&C provide very high levels of blast protection, for example, the cable catcher system (shown above).  This window retrofit has been validated in tests that have been performed by K&C. We have also aided several manufacturers in developing products for enhancing the blast protection afforded by new and existing window/wall systems. In addition, we have developed designs for such facilities as guardhouses, where the blast loads may require special analyses and anchorage details incorporated along with the forced entry and bullet resistant glazing.

Description of Services

• Design for installation of new blast and forced entry/ballistic resistant (FE/BR) window/wall.
• Retrofit of existing windows/walls to enhance blast resistance
• Aid manufacturers in developing new classes of windows, infill walls, and curtain walls
• Design of special purpose blast and bullet resistant and building entrances
• Vulnerability assessment for window/wall designs
• Design of FE/BR windows/walls
• Construction documents for the installation of FE/BR windows