September 3, 2004—A new, patent-pending construction technology that can be used to more easily and cost-effectively build blast-resistant structures, and retrofit existing structures, has been developed jointly by The Sherwin-Williams Company, B&H Coatings, Inc., Teijin Twaron USA, Inc., and TechFab LLC. The new technology, which has been blast-tested and is nearly ready for commercialization, involves use of pre-fabricated reinforced polyurea panels that elongate and stretch, acting as a safety net to contain blast pressure and flying debris to improve homeland security.
“The concept,” says John Durig of Sherwin-Williams, speaking for the consortium involved in the development effort, “is to catch the explosive force on the inner side of the structure and to protect life within against flying debris and collateral damage. We fully expect the technology to be use for the protection of embassies, military installations, waterworks, nuclear plantsany place that might be subject to a terrorist attack.”
Benefits are provided by prefabricated reinforced polyurea panels because they require less material, are easier to install, and less expensive to use. “Blast-resistant panels allow the coating the critical element for blast-resistance—to be shop-applied rather than sprayed-in-place,” says Durig. “The technology may also contribute to preventing progressive collapse.”
The prefabricated panels are quality tested in-shop and delivered to the job site ready for installation, where they are applied with mechanical fasteners inserted through pre-drilled holes in steel reinforcing strips. Durig adds that blast-resistant panels can be applied in the presence of other trades, making construction scheduling much easier especially since panel installation requires minimal training only a power drill, some screws, and a few strips of metal.
Sherwin-Williams signed an agreement last August with the U.S. Department of Defense to conduct blast testing. In three sets of tests by the US army Aberdeen Test Center, three panel variations were demonstrated to withstand blasts created by 70 pounds of C-4 explosives at a distance of 30 feet, while the control wall was reduced to rubble. The videotaped tests show the test-structure walls remained standing after the blasts. A third round of blast testing is planned. The technology was also proven to meet ASTM E-84 requirements for a ClassA fire-rating.
For further information, contact www.sherwin-williams.com/im or call 1-800-524-5979.
