Guideline for Specifying Steel Doors and Frames for Blast Resistance

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definitions
3. Blast Standard Test Methods and Design Criteria
4. Sample Blast Quote Request Form

1. Introduction

Blast-resistant hardening, or the structural strengthening of buildings, is one measure an owner may employ to minimize the risk to people and equipment from the hazards of accidental or intentional explosions. Many architects are finding it necessary to include blast-resistant products in new and existing construction. These products do not fall under any building code, but are required by a number of government agencies such as the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Department of State, and the General Services Administration. They are backed by analysis or 3rd party test data (from an accredited lab) to show their performance level under blast load conditions. This document will serve as a guide to identify the proper criteria, and to give brief explanations of each criterion. Additional requirements, fire rating, swing, etc. are not covered.

2. Definitions

2.1 Blast Resistant Product: Assembly comprised of a door (or pair of doors) and a frame with hardware, or a glazing system that is rated to resist a specified blast peak pressure and impulse to a required performance level. Higher level doors and frames are typically sold and shipped as one unit in order to be certified by the manufacturer that it will meet the projected blast and performance requirements.

2.2 Blast Pressure: The maximum pressure to be exerted on the assembly by the blast event, typically specified as peak-reflected pressure.

2.3 Positive Phase Impulse: The area under the curve formed by the integral of blast pressure (Pmax) vs. time (Td).

2.4 Charge Weight: The equivalent explosive weight (lbs. or kg) of TNT in the blast event. Different agencies have specific requirements for charge weight to be used. See agency specific criteria for DoD, VA, GSA, and DOS to determine required charge weight and in some cases, the required standoff distance.

2.5 Duration: The amount of time it takes the peak pressure to decay to ambient conditions (or zero), typically specified in milliseconds (ms).

2.6 Rebound: Load acting in the opposite direction of the initial blast load that may be a result of negative phase pressure loading and system response, and is typically expressed as a percentage of the initial peak blast pressure.

2.7 Stand-off Distance: The distance from the centroid of the explosive device to the specified opening or structure.

2.8 Seated/Unseated: The orientation of the door in the frame, in relation to the blast origin.

2.9 Blast Product Response & Damage Category (Also referred to as Level of Protection in the UFC): The amount of structural damage (permanent deformation) present after the blast event. With respect to a door and frame unit, the operability of the door, and whether or not the door and/or frame become detached and present a debris hazard. With respect to a glazing system, whether or not the glazing fractures, and if it presents a flying debris hazard. There are multiple standard test methods written that outline test procedures to follow to show how a blast-resistant unit will react in a blast event.

2.9.1 Paraphrased response and damage categories are given on page 2 to highlight the differences in test methods and design criteria. For the full verbiage, please reference the specified test methods and standards organization.

Blast Product Response & Damage Categories

3. Blast Standard Test Methods and Design Criteria

3.1 ASTM F2247-18 – Standard Test Method for Metal Doors Used in Blast Resistant Applications (Equivalent Static Load Method) – Determines ultimate static capacity. Requires further evaluation to relate to explosive charges or other dynamic loads.

3.2 ASTM F2927-21 – Standard Test Method for Door Systems Subject to Airblast Loadings – Used to determine blast capacity for a shock wave created by live explosives or a shock tube.

3.3 ASTM F2912-17 – Standard Specification for Glazing and Glazing Systems Subject to Airblast Loadings – Used to determine blast capacity from a shock wave or explosion.

3.4 ASTM F1642-17 – Standard Test Method for Glazing and Glazing Systems Subject to Airblast Loadings – The data obtained from this test method is used in ASTM F2912 to determine a hazard rating.

3.5 GSA-TS01-2003 – Standard Test Method for Glazing and Window Systems Subject to Dynamic Overpressure Loadings – The sole test protocol by which blast resistant windows and related hazard mitigation technology and products shall be evaluated for facilities under the control and responsibility of the US General Services Administration.

3.6 ASCE 2010, 2nd edition – Design of Blast Resistant Buildings in Petrochemical

3.7 PIP STC01018 – Blast Resistant Building Design Criteria

3.8 UFC 4-010-01 – Department of Defense Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings – The intent is to minimize mass casualties in buildings or portions of buildings owned, leased, privatized, or otherwise occupied, managed, or controlled by or for DoD in the event of a terrorist attack.

4. Sample Blast Quote Request Form

Click to Print