Jeffrey H. Greenwald1, P.E. Maribeth S. Bradfield2, P.E.
- Vice President of Research and Development, National Concrete Masonry Association
- Principal, Bradfield Consulting
ABSTRACT
Concrete masonry walls designed as security barriers are fully grouted concrete masonry assemblies. Typically, vertical grouted cells have steel reinforcement in every cell, and reinforced horizontal bond beams may also be specified. This type of construction is found in prisons, secure facilities or other areas where the integrity of the building envelope or wall partition is vital to securing an area. This paper reports on two phases of research into the impact performance of these types of concrete masonry walls. The testing protocol used was based on ASTM F 2322, Standard Test Methods for Physical Assault on Vertical Fixed Barriers for Detention and Correctional Facilities. Each wall was subjected to a simulated attack from a sledgehammer and a firefighter’s axe. The simulated attack was a series of impacts from a
pendulum test apparatus. Failure was considered to be damage to the wall assembly such that forcible egress can be achieved. Forcible egress was defined as an opening created in the wall assembly which allows a 5 inch x 8 inch x 8 inch (127 x 203 x 203 mm) rigid rectangular box to be passed through the wall with no more than 44.5 N (10 lb) of force.
KEYWORDS: concrete masonry, detention facility, impact test, physical security, security barrier
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