Newsroom
Protection Engineering Consultants completes research on novel energy-absorbing facade systems
Austin, Texas, February 1 -- Protection Engineering Consultants engineers, led by Dr. David Stevens, recently completed a two-year study for the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency toward the development of energy-absorbing facade systems for commercial buildings.
Traditional building facade systems are designed for blast loads such that estimated threat yields will be resisted by window and wall systems — a design approach that fails when threat design loads are exceeded. In overload conditions, facade system components can fail and produce hazardous debris. The PEC-developed designs (one under patent filing procedures) dramatically reduce debris produced through more gradual, "graceful" failures and transfer of load to supporting structures.
Further development and commercialization of these designs is being pursued; contact Dr. David Stevens at Protection Engineering Consultants for more information.
About Protection Engineering Consultants
Protection Engineering Consultants provides research, design and consulting services to enhance the physical protection of people, systems and the built environment. Working with government agencies, the design community and industry, PEC brings expertise in multi-hazard assessment and protective design to mitigate blast, ballistic and vehicular impact attacks and accidents. Through the application of established and novel scientific methodologies as well as government and industry best practices, Protection Engineering Consultants helps clients maximize the physical security of plant, property and people while preserving utility and aesthetics.
For additional information, contact:
Kirk Marchand, P.E.
Managing Principal
+1 512 380 1988
kmarchand@protection-consultants.com