A new blast-mitigation solution for building facade protection with a laminated polycarbonate based system

An innovative polycarbonate-based blast-mitigating system has been developed and shown to offer building protection from air-borne pressure waves produced by a blast event. The system can be tailored to protect against a range of threat levels. The system, containing a high-tech polycarbonate laminate, can protect building exteriors as well as provide a decorative appearance. It can be adapted to existing (retrofit) and new buildings as well. To simulate a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), open-arena blast testing has demonstrated the capabilities of this system to protect a masonry wall from significant blast pressures. Advanced modelling has been conducted to predict the system performance. The benefits of a blast mitigating facade are discussed within the scope of open-arena blast tests and an outlook toward future applications is given.