Design and detailing
The design of buildings or areas of buildings for blast and ballistic protection is almost always to a bespoke set of criteria, unique to the building in question. Criteria, requirements and techniques also differ from sector to sector, so that what may be suitable in the nuclear sector, may not be suitable for military applications.
BBX systems are designed by leading blast consultants to model the best solution to fit the client’s blast and ballistic performance needs. Solutions can be retrofitted to existing structures or designed as a key element of any new construction.
The nature of the block – comparatively lightweight and easy to manoeuvre – means it can be installed without major disruption and used as a general use masonry block in walls above and internal walls below ground, and in beam and block floors.
Blast engineers have used the data from the blast trials to model and construct a pressure impulse graph which is available to designers to select the appropriate thickness of BBX blockwork required for the blast level to be protected against.
This image shows a generic guardhouse built using 440 x 215 x 140mm BBX block laid flat and in broken bond configuration.
Blast engineers have used the data from the blast trials to model and construct a pressure impulse graph which is available to designers to select the appropriate thickness of BBX blockwork required for the blast level to be protected against.
Typical constructions
Building Regulation A11 requires buildings to be constructed so the combined dead, imposed and wind loads are sustained and transmitted safely, without causing deflection or deformation in any part of the building.
Many masonry structures can be designed to meet those requirements by using prescriptive rules in Building Regulations and British Standards, without the need for detailed structural calculations.
Other design requirements such as thermal or acoustic insulation can be met by constructing wall or floor elements that meet the stipulations of the Building Regulations Approved Documents L and E respectively.
As far as compliance with Building Regulations is concerned, construction with BBX blocks is no different than for any other Tarmac blockwork and a wealth of technical data and design detailing is available both in print and online to show the designer how to achieve a very wide range of performance criteria.
Typical insulated solid wall construction
Achieving U-value of 0.18W/m2 K or better using BBX blocks and 100mm of PUR insulation.
Which block thickness is right for your project?
How is BBX installed?
