Are the anchors for your blast resistant glazing systems appropriately designed?
There are many misinterpretations of UFC requirements for blast resistant design among engineers. Some engineers solely design anchors for two times the static equivalent blast load determined from ASTM F2248.
However, UFC 4-010-01 (2007) also requires a minimum anchor design equivalent to the resistance of the glass determined from ASTM E1300.
Many engineers miss this requirement, but UFC. Under section B-3.1.1.4 Connection Design, state, “The actual connection design load is dictated by the glass type and thickness determined by ASTM E 1300.”
Therefore, the correct design load is the maximum of either two times the static equivalent blast load from ASTM F2248 or the resistance of the glass from ASTM E1300. The intent of UFC is to design anchors such that they will not fail before the glass.
At JEI Structural, we stay up-to-date on the latest codes and offer many value-added services.