Anti-Drone
Structural Protection
for Existing Structures
Engineering assessment, design and strengthening of existing structures to improve resistance to blast loading, including explosive threats from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Anti-drone systems stop the threat. We make the structure stronger. We calculate the blast resistance of existing structures and, where required, design the most effective strengthening, from carbon fiber to steel and concrete solutions.
Structural Elements
Which Structural Elements Need Blast Strengthening?
Blast strengthening is most often needed for brick and CMU walls, and concrete walls, columns and beams.
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RC Walls, Slabs
Blast assessment of existing concrete walls and slabs, with strengthening by concrete overlays, steel ribs, connection upgrades or carbon fiber.
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Brick/CMU Walls
Blast assessment of CMU, block and brick walls, with strengthening by anchored carbon fiber, core grouting, steel posts or debris catch systems.
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Other Structural Elements
Blast assessment of existing columns and beams, with strengthening by carbon fiber wrapping and upgrades for their connections.
Engineering Process
From Blast Assessment to Strengthening Design
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Blast Load Definition
Establish design blast loads from the specified explosive threat, charge weight, stand-off distance and applicable design criteria for the project.
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Structural Assessment
Calculate the resistance and response of existing elements under the defined blast loads and identify vulnerabilities against performance criteria.
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Strengthening Options
Compare carbon fiber, steel ribs, concrete overlays and connection upgrades, then select the most effective solution for each structure and threat.
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Strengthening Details
Develop a project-specific design: reinforcement layout, carbon fiber layers or steel and concrete details, anchorage, connections, detailing and drawings.
Services
Blast Strengthening Services and Carbon Fiber Supply
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Engineering Services
- Blast-load analysis and design-basis review, per project.
- Blast-resistance calculations for your existing elements.
- Failure-mode evaluation and a strengthening option study.
- Carbon fiber, steel, overlay and connection strengthening design.
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Strengthening Supply
- Carbon fiber fabrics and laminates, selected per project.
- Compatible epoxy resins and structural bonding adhesives.
- Chemical anchors, steel dowels and FRP anchor components.
- Product data sheets, specifications and QA documentation.
Design Standards
Design Standards for Blast Protection Strengthening
Depending on the project, we may refer to:
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UFC 3-340-02
Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) Structures To Resist The Effects Of Accidental Explosions
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ASCE/SEI 59-22
Blast Protection of Buildings
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ACI PRC-440.2-23
Design and Construction of Externally Bonded Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Systems for Strengthening Concrete Structures — Guide
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ASCE Library
Design Of Blast-Resistant Buildings In Petrochemical Facilities
The governing standards, design methodology and acceptance criteria are established for each project. The assessment considers structural response, support conditions, anchorage, substrate condition and relevant failure mechanisms.
Carbon fiber strengthening is a structural blast-mitigation measure. Its suitability and expected performance must be verified against the defined threat and project requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Structural Blast Protection
What is anti-drone structural protection?
Anti-drone structural protection focuses on assessing and improving the resistance of existing structural elements to defined blast effects associated with explosive threats, including drone-delivered explosives. It complements external anti-drone systems designed to detect, deter, intercept or stop threats before they reach the protected asset.
Which structural elements can be strengthened?
Potential applications include reinforced concrete walls, masonry walls, columns, beams and other existing structural elements. Suitability depends on the structural configuration, blast demand, failure mechanisms and required performance.
Can carbon fiber strengthening improve resistance to blast effects?
Carbon fiber strengthening may improve the blast performance of suitable structural elements. Its effectiveness depends on the blast scenario, member properties, support conditions, anchorage, substrate condition and governing failure mechanisms. Project-specific engineering is required to establish the appropriate solution.
Is carbon fiber always the best solution?
No. Carbon fiber is very effective for masonry walls, lightly reinforced elements, columns and longer-duration blast loads. For strong concrete walls under a close, short blast, better fixing, steel ribs or a concrete overlay often work better. We pick the method from the calculation.
What strengthening methods do you design?
Carbon fiber, steel ribs and frames, concrete overlays, connection and anchorage upgrades, catch systems and shield walls. We also advise on stand-off.
How is existing wall blast resistance calculated?
The assessment considers the design blast loads, wall geometry, material properties, boundary conditions, structural response and relevant failure mechanisms. Results are evaluated against project-specific performance requirements.
What information is required for an initial assessment?
Useful information includes available blast payload data, structural drawings, member dimensions, material properties, overall layouts and photographs. An initial review can identify missing information and the additional investigations required.
What do I receive?
Calculation report, strengthening layouts, anchorage details, drawings and method statement, depending on scope.
Can the building stay in use during the works?
Often yes. Outside overlays, shield walls and outside connection work avoid entering occupied areas.
Do you supply all materials?
We supply carbon fiber systems, resins and anchors. Steel and concrete works are specified in our design and supplied by your contractor, or by agreement.
What determines the price and programme?
The number and type of elements, the available information, the blast scenario and the required deliverables.
Contact
Discuss Your Structural Blast Protection Project
Share your project requirements and available structural information. SHM360 will review the scope and identify the information needed for a project-specific blast-resistance assessment and carbon fiber strengthening design.
Next Steps
- Send your project details and requirements.
- We review your project details and requirements.
- Receive your proposal for assessment and design.