Masonry Magazine February 2005 Page. 33
Durisol, made in Switzerland since the 1940s and in Canada since the 1950s, is basically a hollow concrete block made of mineralized wood shavings as the aggregate, instead of sand and stone. This mixture is used to make stay-in-place wall forms for concrete structures, free-standing sound barriers and other products. Subject to the limitations above, Durisol Block provides an expedient solution to the problem of retrofitting masonry structures to resist the effects of explosions.
Summary
Existing masonry walls can be strengthened in a variety of ways to resist the effects of explosions. Comparisons between each method are summarized in Table 1. It is often possible to combine two or more systems into a hybrid scheme capable of resisting loads greater than the sum of the individual systems - a "united we stand, divided we fall" approach. Fundamentally, there is no substitute for stand-off, and security arrangements must be tested against the ease with which it is possible to deliver and detonate an explosive device. It is often possible to mitigate against the effects of explosions by adopting changes to established procedures without making alterations to the building structure. However, if all those procedures are circumvented, there is no substitute and existing masonry buildings must be retrofitted in some way.
Figure 8. Durisol Block places an internal concrete skin inside a modular formwork.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Figures 1 and 2 are taken from Blast Effects on Buildings. Thomas Telford, London, 1995 and are reproduced with permission from the editors G.C. Mays and P.D. Smith. The author also wishes to acknowledge the assistance provided by Ed Conrath of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Protective Design Center during the preparation of this article.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT AGAINST MOISTURE DAMAGE
ALDI FOODS
WALGREENS
Stainless Steel
Flashing
Vertical Mesh
Element
See how I works
www.mortamet.com/mm
2004
MOST INNDUKTIVE
MAGONRY PRODUCT
BlockNet is The Answer
Some of the country's largest retailers have discovered the benefits of integrating BlockNet into new construction. See for yourself how BlockNet can save your business future costly structural repairs.
The BlockNet system provides a simple and effective solution for moisture problems by channeling water that infiltrates through voids and directing it to the exterior of the wall.
To see how it works and for more information, call 1-800-664-6638 or visit the MortarNet website.
BLOCKNET
by Mortar Net
February 2005
Masonry 31
The Voice of the Mason Contractor