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The protection of existing reinforced concrete structures against impact loads, the effects of blast, or both, has become a major concern of researchers and engineers. Sudden impacts and release of high-speed loads, such as those from bullets, fragment bombs, and bare explosive charges, can generate high pressures on structures, resulting in fragmentation that can cause serious damage, injuries, and casualties. Results from an experimental investigation performed on reinforced concrete slabs retrofitted with different grids and polypropylene, polyethylene, and steel meshes are presented. The testing program includes impact tests using a falling weight and fragmentation simulation using an air gun. These tests were conducted on square concrete panels with dimensions of 600 × 600 × 100 mm. Deflections and depths of penetration were measured, as were applied and absorbed kinetic energy and the kinetic energy of the resulting concrete fragments. Damage and mode of failure due to post-impact were also observed and recorded. Results and analysis of the data and observations showed that the concrete panels retrofitted with a combination of steel mesh and polyethylene grid provided the most promising retrofitting protection when compared with other options.

The transportation of dangerous goods (DG) represents an important portion of the overall freight transport worldwide. Ground transport (excluding pipelines) moves approximately 21% to 31% of the total tonnage of DG in Canada. Accidents involving DG might occur at any time at any location along transport routes or within storage areas, and not only do they have an effect on people and the environment, but also they can have a great effect on the national economy. This paper presents the details of an experimental investigation studying the blast attenuation capability of suppressive shield panels (SSPs). Suppressive shield technology can be used for the storage, processing, and transport of explosive materials and can also be applied to protecting attractive targets and infrastructure deemed vulnerable to explosive attacks. Various configurations of commercially available steel angles were assembled as SSPs and evaluated for their ability to attenuate blast pressure from detonating Pentolite charges. Results obtained from the tests with 0.5-kg charges indicated that the SSPs attenuate the blast pressure to values in the range of 43% to 60%. The results of this research can be extended to include the design and construction of SSPs for transportation of DG by sea as well. Effectively, this can include the strengthening of current standard containers.