Forcible Entry Demonstrations
Page 3
Air-blast Resistant Window Systems
Air-blast-Resistant System
Glass Type
Attack Side
Floor Level
with 0.030-inch interlayer
AG
Interior
1
AG
Exterior
2
Insulating glass units with inner pane laminated
AG
Exterior
1
with 0.060-inch interlayer
AG
Interior
1
AG
Exterior
1
Insulating glass units with inner pane laminated
AG
Interior
1
with 0.090-inch interlayer
AG
Exterior
2
Untreated glass
AG
Exterior
1
San Jose Fire Department firefighters from Engine Company 2 and Ladder Company 2
were used for the forcible entry demonstrations. The firefighters first attempted forcible
entry using the standard forcible entry tools and operating procedures of the San Jose Fire
Department and the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA).
The firefighters were able to enter all of the window mock- ups with conventional
firefighting tools such as axes, hooligans' tools, and pike poles. Though conventional
tools were equal to the job, updated techniques were required to efficiently break and
clear the windows. However, based on observations made during the demonstrations,
additional questions were raised which should be addressed in future demonstrations.
Recommendations to address these questions include:
Additional Forcible Entry Tests
Though the window systems tested encompassed a variety of common retrofits,
additional widely-used configurations should be tested.
Emergency egress through air-blast-resistant windows under live fire conditions
Additional Air-blast Testing
Before a center-seam configuration with a two-sided attached window film is used for
an air-blast resistant application, air-blast testing should be performed to ensure that
the configuration meets performance requirements.
Information Exchange
The transfer of information on the implications to forcible entry of air-blast resistant
window systems should be made a priority by entities involved in the installation of
these window systems.
Hinman Consulting Engineers, Inc
www.hce.com
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