Blast-resistant window anchor systems

1.1 General

 

This Standard provides criteria for the design of blast-resistant window anchor systems for use in new or existing buildings.

 

1.2 Window types considered

 

1.2.1 General

 

The design criteria included in this Standard are intended for anchoring windows with glass types specified in Clause 1.2.2 and frame types specified in Clause 1.2.3, anchored on substrates specified in Clause 1.2.3.

 

1.2.2 Glass types

 

The design criteria included in this Standard are intended for anchoring windows with the following glass types:

 

a) thermally tempered or heat-strengthened glass with or without security film installed on the interior surface and anchored to the window frame;

 

b) annealed glass with security film installed on the interior surface and anchored to the window frame; and

 

c) laminated thermally tempered, laminated heat-strengthened, or laminated annealed glass.

 

Note: Often security film is installed on the interior surface, anchored or not, to prevent glass spalling and fragmenting.

 

1.2.3 Frame types

 

1.2.3.1

The design criteria included in this Standard are intended for anchoring windows with the following frame types:

 

a) punched windows;

 

b) curtain walls; and

 

c) ribbon windows.

 

1.2.3.2

The design criteria included in this Standard are intended for anchoring windows with the following frame materials:

 

a) aluminum;

 

b) steel; and

 

c) wood.

 

1.2.4 Substrates

 

The design criteria included in this Standard are intended for anchoring windows on the following substrates:

 

a) structural steel;

 

b) reinforced concrete;

 

c) concrete, brick, or stone masonry; and

 

d) any other substrate that can be demonstrated through analysis or tests to be capable of supporting the attached window system, as per Clause 7.

 

1.3 Anchor load transfer

 

Window retention anchors are attached to substrates utilizing one or more of the following force transfer mechanisms:

 

a) friction;

 

b) bearing; and

 

c) bond or adhesion.

 

1.4 Anchors not included

 

Window retention anchors with load transfer mechanisms not included in Clause 1.3 are not used unless it has been demonstrated by tests conforming to Clause 7 that they meet the performance criteria of Clause 4.

 

1.5 Terminology

 

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

 

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

 

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

 

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.