Aug 31 2009
Special-Lite’s SL-17 Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester (FRP) Flush Door was found to provide protection to building occupants from flying debris in the event of an explosion according to the criteria of the ASTM F 1642-04 Standard Test Method for Glazing and Glazing Systems Subject to Airblast Loading.
When blasts occur in urban areas, glass shards and similar material from fractured doors and windows can pose significant danger to building occupants. Developed by ASTM International in cooperation with the U.S. Departments of Defense and State following the 2001 terrorist attacks, the ASTM F 1642-04 standard measures the potential hazard from flying glass or other fragments in the event of such an explosion.
Third-party testing lab Architectural Testing Inc. conducted the test in June, attaching a standard SL-17 door to a large shock tube, a machine that simulates the effect of an actual explosive device. When subjected to force in the 5.5 to 6.5 psi range, the SL-17 was slightly damaged but remained operational.
“The amazing thing is that this is the same FRP door Special-Lite has been making since 1982,” said Dan Depta, Marketing Manager for Special-Lite, Inc. “We keep challenging the SL-17 with new tests, and it keeps passing. Facility managers with existing installations and those who choose SL-17 for the future, now get the additional peace of mind knowing they have blast protection, too.”
The SL-17 has previously passed similar third-party tests for windborne debris and impact resistance in order to achieve hurricane-rating and Florida product approval. Despite its blast resistance, the SL-17 door is not intended for fire-rated applications. Instead, Special-Lite recommends its SL-21 fire-rated FRP doors with ratings up to 90 minutes.