WASHINGTON, D.C.—The benefits of concrete building systems are many and well known—energy efficiency, resistance to fire and mold, durability. A new research program aims to add cost-effective blast resistance to that list.

Portland Cement Association (PCA) and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) have collaborated to conduct research to identify cost-effective, blast-resistance building systems for military construction. The research will be conducted on four of the most widely used commercial insulated concrete wall systems, including insulating concrete forms (ICFs), precast and tilt-up insulating concrete sandwich panels, exterior insulating cast-in-place walls, and insulated reinforced masonry veneer and cavity walls. The research will measure the ability of full-scale wall panels to withstand external blast events.

The first wall system, a precast/prestressed insulated sandwich panel assembly, was evaluated this summer at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Fla. Although test results are still being analyzed and evaluated, an inspection of the panels after being exposed to three blasts at decreasing stand-off distance, showed minimal visual damage. Additional wall system evaluations are planned for later this year. After all the wall systems are evaluated a second phase study will evaluate several unique concrete wall systems. The third phase of the evaluation process will focus on modifications to the Phase 1 and 2 products that would enhance their blast resistance while maintaining the cost effectiveness of the products.

PCA co-funded the research with the US Air Force, with wall assemblies provided by PCA and its industry partners including Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Tilt-up Concrete Association, Concrete Foundations Association/Concrete Home Council, Insulating Concrete Form Association, National Concrete Masonry Association, Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, Brick Industry Association, and National Ready Mixed Concrete Association.

About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs.