Forcible Entry Demonstrations
Page 14
Air-blast Resistant Window Systems
Though the window systems tested encompassed a variety of common retrofits,
additional widely-used configurations should be tested. These should include:
o Interior fabric and drape systems (this will be included as an addendum to
this report)
o Laminated windows with larger bites and structural glazing, conforming
with air-blast-resistant window bite requirements (will be included as an
addendum to this report)
o Ballistic-resistant glazing
o 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. It would be beneficial for the GSA (and other federal or state
agencies, as well as private landlords) to routinely inform local fire departments when
air-blast-resistant window systems are installed. To assist local fire departments in
assessing the demands on their operations placed by air-blast-resistant windows, the
following information could be offered:
o A summary paper of this report
o Five-minute video, showing highlights of the demonstrations
o Full-length video, showing all demonstrations
Additional questions or requests for information may be addressed to:
Willie Hirano
General Services Administration, Region X
(253) 931-7660
9. Acknowledgments
These tests could not have been accomplished without the collaboration and cooperation
of the GSA, the DHS, the San Jose Fire Department, and the Protective Glazing Council.
Thanks also go to GlassLock and Protech for providing materials and support.
10.
Limitations
Information presented in this paper and its appendices does not represent an endorsement
of any products, tools, or techniques of forcible entry by any of the team of collaborators,
including the federal government, the San Jose Fire Department and the Protective
Glazing Council.
Hinman Consulting Engineers, Inc
www.hce.com
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