The 2012 test series was conducted in conjunction with the Explora Foundation at the Rafael Shdema Firing Range located south of Mitzpe Ramon, Israel. This test series was focused on understanding the performance of structural and architectural systems under blast loading conditions. The knowledge gained from these tests will be applied to improve structural codes currently used by the engineering community.
This test series consisted of two full-scale arena blast tests, each using 500kg of ANFO. There were four targets, each used to investigate the response of a different element to blast loading. The first target tested rectangular hollow structural sections (RHS) as part of on-going research at the University of Toronto into their dynamic properties. The second target investigated the applicability of the Glass Failure Prediction Model (GFPM) to blast loading conditions. The third target was part of research into the development and characterization of an energy dissipating system for blast protection in structures. The fourth target investigated the effect of blast loading on an industrial generator. Targets were instrumented and a high-speed data acquisition system was used to record the test results.
Videos
http://youtu.be/blhR25qEGN4
Blast Arena Test.
Reports
- Standards and Strategies for Blast Testing of Structures and Devices- Walker et al.
- July 2012 Test Report – Explora Foundation
