First-ever public blast protection standard features GSL expertise

Published Dec. 20, 2011

Dec. 2011

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VICKSBURG, Miss. - Under the leadership of ERDC Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory's (GSL) Dr. Paul Mlakar, ERDC expertise has greatly contributed to the American Society of Civil Engineers' publication, "ASCE Blast Protection of Buildings Standard," the long-awaited guidebook released in September. Mlakar served as a chapter leader, along with fellow engineers, on the blast protection of buildings standard committee to create this instructive document. Ten years of their work now details the complicated process of designing for blast resistance.

The first model of its kind, this document from ASCE's Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) is expected to be widely used nationally and internationally and already assists engineers in far-away countries, such as Sri Lanka, through the U.S. military attaché.

Mlakar noted the guide would be beneficial for civil engineers who must consider blast effects on public buildings, such as important community properties and banks. More than 50 engineers contributed their expertise to the massive project, including GSL Civil Engineer Rodney Gonzalez, who assisted with blast refection pressure graphics.

Beginnings before 9/11

Ironically, Mlakar was addressing the need for such a guidebook on a conference call the morning of 9/11, when ERDC's blast resistance retrofit technologies saved lives at the Pentagon. As noted in his congratulatory letter, SEI Committee Chairman Don Dusenberry related, "…the process to develop ASCE 59-11 began before Sept. 11, 2001. In fact, a few early participants were on a conference call discussing the development of this standard when the events of that day unfolded. If we had any doubts about the need for this document before then, those doubts were eliminated in an instant that morning."

Mlakar shared that the long road to publication proved to be difficult at times, sorting out "for official use only" data from acceptable models for public consumption, and the focus of the document changed over the years of development. The authors were determined to share their expertise, however, because they knew their guidance and techniques could save many more lives from blast-induced injuries.

"The results are the first comprehensive guide on the complicated process of designing for blast resistance for the private sector," Mlakar said. "The publication is the culmination of 10 years of technical effort to coalesce diverse opinions into useful text."

Dusenberry congratulated the engineers on fulfilling their mission, saying, "I am truly pleased to have worked with this committee on this very important effort. You have stuck with it, shared your impressive state-of-the-art knowledge and experience, and as a result developed a first-ever comprehensive guide for the private sector. The chapter leaders deserve our special thanks for the enormous efforts they gave."