Is wood suitable for blast-resistant construction? The answer is yes. Our tests show that standard wood windows reinforced with Keep®safe system can withstand high blast loads. This changes the conditions for how security-classified buildings can be designed and constructed.
The most recent blast tests were carried out at the end of last year at Drivecenter Arena in Fällfors, Sweden. Several standard-manufactured wood windows were subjected to high blast loads to further challenge the system’s capacity – in larger formats and under higher load conditions.
Blast testing of wood windows – a new direction for what is possible
The tests included wood windows measuring 1980 × 1980 mm, corresponding to nearly four square metres of glazing area and integrated with Keep®safe system. The windows were tested with different glazing configurations, and all units withstood the respective load levels to which they were subjected.
One of the windows was first tested according to EXR1 and remained completely undamaged after the blast. Rather than stopping there, the exact same window was then subjected to a second, more powerful charge, this time in accordance with EXR2. This test also achieved an approved result – with no damage to the wood frame and no internal fragment projection.
At present, we are not aware of any other actors offering blast-resistant wood windows of this scale and with comparable performance levels. Testing has so far been conducted up to EXR2, and the results indicate that the construction has capacity for further classification levels.
Wood as part of the future of protective construction
The results demonstrate that security-classified constructions can be complemented with wood as an additional material option. Combined with Keep®safe system, this creates the conditions for a significantly more cost-effective path to high security performance. Wood’s low climate impact can be utilised while resource consumption is kept at a controlled level. Working with wood also provides greater flexibility in both technical design and architectural expression.
For architects, property owners, municipalities and public authorities, this represents a new alternative where security, sustainability, aesthetics and cost efficiency can meet in a fundamentally new way.
When security requirements increase in public infrastructure
Physical security requirements are increasing across many types of buildings, not least in public and critical infrastructure environments. Municipal buildings, administrative facilities and other operations with specific protection needs must increasingly include windows, doors and façades as part of their overall security strategy. In this context, blast-resistant wood windows is now part of the solution.
With Keep®safe system, we continue to develop solutions that combine security, sustainability and cost efficiency, opening up new applications and markets – both in Sweden and internationally.
