Vehicle bomb blast effects and countermeasures

The impact of a vehicle bomb blast on a building can be determined by analyzing the: (1) over-pressure that the building structural elements can withstand, (2) standoff distance that can be enforced, and (3) potential damage from a specific amount of explosives detonated at an enforceable standoff distance. This paper is organized in three parts that address the potential effects of a postulated bomb blast and identification of protective measures to reduce risk. Part one describes the effects of a bomb blast on the buildings and occupants (e.g., columns, walls, windows, and personnel) as well as charts and graphs for determining blast effects. Part two shows how to calculate the kinetic energy and the maximum attainable vehicle speed for a moving vehicle. Part three provides suggestions for conducting such an analysis, including the use of available software.