The Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP), administered by Defence Research and Development Canada, has approved a three-year research program for University of Ottawa professor Murat Saatcioglu to improve Canada’s preparedness and prevention capabilities against blast hazards. The goal of the $1.03 million project is to develop blast-resistant window retention anchors for critical infrastructure in Canada.
The research has a significant experimental component, which will be conducted at the University of Ottawa, in the Department of Civil Engineering Blast Research Laboratory. Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) will be the lead federal department overseeing the project activities.
During blast-induced shock waves, the most vulnerable building components are usually the windows. While efforts have been made to improve window performance through glazing, their effectiveness has been limited. The blast loads imposed upon window glazing are transferred to the window frame and then to the building structure through window retention anchors (which act like bolts). With glazed windows, the window anchors become the weak link in the chain, vulnerable to failure. Little effort has been made to assess and design window anchors for blast resistance.
The project will consist of combined experimental and analytical research, to develop comprehensive knowledge on the topic, best practice guidelines and related software for the design and retrofit of window frame anchors, as well as a national standard to be maintained and managed by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for wider dissemination among practicing engineers, architects, builders and owners of government, public and private assets.
While the University of Ottawa will lead the research effort, it will be conducted in collaboration with Advanced Coatings Enterprises (ACE) Windows, AMBICO Ltd., Baker Risk Ltd., ec Consulting, Carleton University, the Canadian Standards Association, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
For more information, contact:
Murat Saatcioglu, PhD, P.Eng.
University of Ottawa
Director, Hazard Mitigation and Disaster Management Research Centre
Distinguished University Professor and University Research Chair
Department of Civil Engineering
613-562-5800 ext. 6129
