Everything About Blast Mitigation

What is blast mitigation? It is a system or a strategic plan which is designed to minimize the effects of a blast caused by pressure impulses or energy forces. So, in short, blast mitigation is not about preventing blasts as that’s something that can’t be controlled. In reality, blast mitigation is all about lowering the impact of a potential blast to ensure that buildings, assets, and people are protected.

With a proper blast mitigation system, the falling debris, collapsing structures, and flying glass particles from an explosion can be contained and even reduced. As a result, all the things which are worth protecting are protected – In that sense, we can also say that it is a corrosion management tool as well.

Blast Mitigation Explained

During an explosion, a lot of things are released into the atmosphere, such as energy, shock waves, fragments, and so on. The very nature of these effects means that they cannot be stopped, but a proper blast mitigation strategy can reduce the intensity of the blast to prevent injuries and casualties.

The preparation for a proper blast mitigation strategy starts with an evaluation, assessment, and proper testing of the systems. For glass, the blast mitigation goal is achieved by using blast resistant windows or bullet proof windows – The use of such products ensures that the glass and other material do not shatter upon impact.

Similarly, anchor systems and other reinforcements are used to support the structural components present in the walls. Once again, products such as blast proof doors and blast proof fabrics can help us achieve the objective of blast mitigation.

Such systems are also tested for their effectiveness by using enclosed or open-air test methods, which usually involve explosives. In a controlled environment, blasts or explosions are carried out to check the durability and effectiveness of blast mitigation products such as bullet proof windows, blast proof fabric, blast resistant doors, reinforcements, and so on.

To sum it up, it is not possible to prevent bomb blasts and explosions with 100% accuracy. This means that all the building owners need to use various strategies to ensure that the impact of these events is contained. To obtain this objective, it is common to use various blast mitigation products and even consider the blast resistance factor in building design.

Materials for Blast Mitigation

As mentioned earlier, a lot of different materials and products are used to mitigate the impact of an explosion/blast. Depending on the material, they usually reinforce or thicken the wall structures, which helps in absorbing the impact. Choosing the right substance usually depends on the potential risks and what needs to be protected.

Let’s have a quick look at the materials used for blast mitigation:

• Polyurea Coatings – This coating is applied via spray and can be applied to any material. The basic function of polyurea coating is to increase the blast mitigation property of the material on which it is applied.
• Foam – Polyurethane foam comes in different forms and is also used to mitigate and redirect energy from the infrastructure and people.
• Laminated Glass – When it comes to windows, it is common to use laminated glass for blast mitigation.