Blast Protection
The core of these GSA-approved and DHS-certified systems is Guardian Grade Fabricoil® wire mesh that uniquely flexes in a predictive and repeatable way to absorb the force of the blast or projectile, rather than transmitting this force into the building where it can harm people and property. It spreads forces to adjacent areas to harmlessly divert energy and debris away from personnel and structural building components.
Cascade Architectural's Certified Blast & Projectile Protection Systems are perfect for new construction or retrofits. The systems meet most blast mitigation requirements and can be seamlessly integrated into existing buildings, enhancing aesthetics and providing invaluable protection of occupants. Our systems meet the building protection needs of many private sector companies, including those in the nuclear power arena. Blast protection systems are also very important in areas prone to natural disasters, such as coastal environments or structures located in areas like “tornado alley".
With a range customizable design options, architects and designers easily meet the aesthetic requirements of their projects. The systems allow natural light to penetrate a space and give occupants an unobstructed view to the outside, all while maintaining the ability to encapsulate and contain high-speed debris.
Specifiers are able to combine functional attributes that fall outside of blast/projectile containment when working with Cascade. Due to Guardian Grade Fabricoil’s range of functional attributes, the reliable protection systems also deliver solar control, energy savings, aesthetic value, and more – one system capable of providing several benefits to the end-user. Unlike some competitor products, Certified Blast & Projectile Protection Systems enhance interiors, eliminating “fortress-like” environments. Cascade Coil remains committed to providing comprehensive safety measures that preserve the well being of building occupants.
RETROFIT APPLICATIONS
Extreme loads, like blast-induced loads, generate significant structural demands that most buildings are not equipped to defend against. This is because most structures are designed to provide an acceptable level of protection based on the value and function of that specific facility, allowing a corresponding level of damage. Building owners are looking to retrofit these existing structures to produce a safer environment, but complete exterior replacements are typically too costly. As a viable and cost-effective alternative, “catcher systems,” like Cascade's Guardian Grade Fabricoil Systems, handle the hazardous debris from failed façade components before they penetrate the interior space.
Beginning with the design phase, Cascade Architectural experts work in close collaboration with you to ensure your system achieves the desired functions and aesthetics. Throughout the process, we provide assistance in the development of construction methodologies for a safe and reliable installation.
Extreme Weather Protection
For disaster-prone areas of the world, our GSA-Approved and DHS-Certified systems provide protection from high-wind projectile impacts that shatter windows. Certified Blast and Projectile Protection Systems are also utilized to contain fast-flying glass shards resulting from hurricanes, earthquakes, and other catastrophic events.
Key Features
Superior Strength and Energy Absorption
Certified Blast & Projectile Protection Systems with Guardian Grade Fabricoil® wire mesh effectively absorb high-powered energy impacts by collapsing around the projectile before it can enter the interior space. With a secure installation, the reliable Cascade systems reduce the risk of injury and property damage.
Difficult to Penetrate
The unique construction of Guardian Grade Fabricoil offers superior resistance to penetration by debris and projectiles. To penetrate the fabric, an item larger than the weave size must first flatten the mesh in all directions at the point of impact. In doing so, the projectile loses a great deal of energy and the threat of injury is substantially decreased.
Design Advantages and Installation Savings
The custom manufacturing of Certified Blast & Projectile Protection Systems facilitates design advantages for customers, producing a system to fits their exact needs. Although lightweight, Guardian Grade Fabricoil is a reliable solution to high-threat situations and offers installation cost savings because its relative low weight minimizes structural support requirements.
Fireproof and Virtually Maintenance-Free
The fireproof Guardian Grade Fabricoil will not absorb oil, grease, and other liquids. It is also very easy to maintain for building owners and tends to shed dust. The material is extremely durable, but if damaged under significant blast loads, sections can be easily removed and replacements may be spliced in at the installation site.
Protects While Enhancing Interior Spaces
Customizable coiled wire fabric coupled with our variety of wire and finish options adds a beautiful architectural element to any work environment or interior space. The open-weave design of Guardian Grade Fabricoil allows light into the work area and does not interfere with ventilation. For everyday needs, the wire mesh allows natural light into the space and provides views to the exterior for those inside.
PROVEN PERFORMANCE
UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA SHOCK TUBE TEST One of the many examples of Guardian Grade Fabricoil in action is the University of Ottawa Shock Tube Test – subjecting the systems to blast loads and secondary debris from failed non-structural building envelope elements. During four tests (two with unreinforced masonry, and two with wet-glazed aluminum-framed windows) the Guardian Grade Fabricoil systems performed well. The coiled wire fabric was able to retain all major pieces of secondary debris, with only small fragments of dust and debris penetrating the material. Of course, the debris that did penetrate the fabric was smaller than the size of the weave and did not pose a significant threat.
BAKERRISK SHOCK TUBE TEST
BakerRisk conducted a total of six tests in response to typical blast loads commonly specified in U.S. government projects. The loads included short durations with peak pressures ranking from 4 to 10 psi. It was concluded that when properly supported and anchored, Guardian Grade Fabricoil meets ISC/GSA performance condition 3b in response to the typical low-level anti-terrorism blast load regime behind a ¼-in. annealed glass window. Across the board, similar tests also produced respectable results, ensuring building owners that Cascade Coil systems will protect occupants in the event of an attack or natural disaster.
VEHICLE BORNE IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES (VBIED) TEST
Guardian Grade Fabricoil was subjected to VBIED blasts as a flexible catcher product and generally performed well from standoff distances as close as 20 ft. Of the 18 combinations, which included different façade window/wall types, mesh types, and mesh orientations, 13 provided a viable retrofit solution from a standoff distance of as close as 20 feet. The other five provided viable protection from a standoff distance of 30 feet. As a result, Guardian Grade Fabricoil wall retrofits were approved for FSL III and IV facilities.
System Accreditations
- GSA Standard Test Method for Glazing and Window Systems Subject to Dynamic Overpressure Loadings • Rating: 3b
- Rating: 3b
- ASTM F1642 Standard Test Method for Glazing and Glazing Systems Subject to Airblast Loadings
- Low Hazard Level
- ASTM F2912 Standard Specification for Glazing and Glazing Systems Subject to Airblast Loadings
- ASTM E1300-04 Standard Practice for Determining Load Resistance of Glass in Buildings
- ISO 16932:2016 Glass in Building - Destructive-Windstorm-Resistant Security Glazing - Test and Classification
- ISO 16936-1:2005: Glass in Building - Forced-Entry Security Glazing
- ISO 16933:2007 Glass in Building - Explosion Resistant Security Glazing - Test and Classification for Arena Air Blast Loading
- Rated ISO EXV25
- ISO 16934:2007 Glass in Building - Explosion Resistant Security Glazing - Test and Classification by Shock Tube Loading
- AAMA 510-06 Voluntary Guide specification for Blast Hazard Mitigation for Fenestration Systems
- UFC 4-010-01 DOD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings
- UFGS-08 87 23.13: Whole Building Design Guide
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SAFETY Act 2017 both designation and certification.
