The physical protection of infrastructure against blast threats is critical for the security of personnel and assets, but there are rarely one-size-fits-all solutions. Whether a blast has been generated by a targeted explosion or a petrochemical accident, the initial force and subsequent shock waves must be considered. Explosive materials release a large amount of energy in a short space of time, placing huge pressure on the building fabric, including locks, doors, and windows. Read on to learn more about our leading blast-resistant solutions.
Do you have a bespoke blast project you would like to discuss? Contact us.
Bespoke Solutions
Petrochemical blasts typically produce a low-pressure output over a longer period, whilst bomb blasts produce a much higher-pressure output in a shorter period (as shown in the graph below).
1-Tonne Lock
The 1-Tonne Lock was commissioned as part of a bespoke project and was designed for extreme blast pressures. It uses a 6-point modular design with a deadlocking device, touch bar-motorised bolt actuation, and a manual override in case of power failure.
The lock consists of over 1,000 kilograms of high-quality engineering with a modular design linking multi-point securing devices. The system can be adapted to adjust the number of bolts, their position, the material used, and the throw to meet almost any level of threat protection.
Do you have a bespoke blast project you would like to discuss? Contact us.
Bespoke project designed for extreme blast pressures.
Blast Testing
Physical Testing
Physical tests usually consist of a practical test of a door, locking system, or window to resist a physical explosion. Testing methods include Arranged Tests, Shock Tube Tests, and Static Load Tests. Physical testing can provide an accurate assessment of the hardware’s blast-resistance capabilities.
Calculations
Hardware can also be specified for blast resistance by using mathematical calculations. These calculations are based on material values or on load test data and provide a simple analysis of how the hardware may perform against a blast threat.
Standards
There are various testing standards to consider to ensure the successful performance of blast-resistant products, proven by physical testing and/or calculation. Here are the key standards considered by Surelock McGill when testing our blast-resistant products.
EN 13123-1 and EN 13124-1
EN 13123-1 specifies the blast-resistance criteria that windows, doors, and shutters must meet to achieve a classification under the testing method described in EN 13124-1. This uses a shock tube to simulate blast pressure and assess the resistance of doors, windows, and shutters.
ISO 16933:2007
This international standard is rated using arena blast tests, assessing and classifying the performance of glazing to the extreme pressures of high-explosive blasts. The test considers the level of damage to the glazing and the area behind it.
ASTM F2247
This standard uses a commonly specified testing method for blast doors. It categorises blast performance based on damage to the door and locking hardware after a high-explosive blast. It uses a static load-testing method where the doorset is fitted into a pressure chamber, and the pressure is then raised to simulate an air blast load. The magnitude of the blast test pressure is defined by the end user.
EN 13123-2 and EN 13124-2
EN 13123-2 specifies the blast-resistance criteria that windows, doors, and shutters must meet to achieve a classification under the test method described in EN 13124-2. The test method uses explosive blast charges of 3 kg to 20 kg of TNT placed 3 to 5 m from a door, window, or shutter.
ASTM F2927
ASTM F2927 covers a commonly specified blast testing method for metal doors. It uses an air blast simulator, shock tube, or controlled open-air explosion to evaluate the blast capacity of a complete doorset, with the magnitude of the blast test pressure defined by the end user. The test method establishes whether a doorset meets a defined damage category and is therefore suitable to resist specific damage and pressure/time loading levels.
Products
Locking solutions may require enhancements to resist blast threats. Here are some of our blast enhancement products.
Reinforced guide brackets and bolt ends for use in high-pressure environments.
Our cam-lift hinges are ideal for sealed and gas-tight doorsets and provide smooth operation and long-term durability, including for heavy doors.
High-performance, heavy-duty vision panels that are resistant to blast, ballistic, and forced entry attacks.
Manual Bolting
Reliable, manually thrown deadbolts are an ideal solution for blast resistance. They are simple, highly reliable, and offer high levels of pressure resistance for blast and sealed doorsets.
Versatile heavy-duty single-point barrel bolts for use in hostile environments.
Functionality
Surelock McGill provides a range of locking solutions to suit a wide range of operational needs in high-pressure blast environments.
Panic & Emergency Escape
Key Entry
Motorised
Access Control
Combination Lock
For further information, please contact our sales team on +44 (0)118 977 2525.
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