Blast Doors

Construct blast doors using 3/4″ thick plywood with 1″ steel angle brackets for reinforcement. Each door must be 36″ wide and 80″ tall. For expedient construction, triangular poles hewn with axes and notched at the base can be secured with nails. The doors must be closed within 4 seconds or 10 seconds of detecting a blast wave (overpressure >5 psi) at distances under 1 mile. Use 3/4″ thick car tire strips as door seals to ensure a tight fit and prevent overpressure from entering the shelter.

Step-by-Step Construction of Blast Doors

  1. Cut plywood to the required dimensions of 36″ wide and 80″ tall.
  2. Attach steel angle brackets to the plywood using screws for reinforcement.
  3. Create triangular poles using axes and notches for securing the doors.
  4. Secure the triangular poles to the door frame using nails.
  5. Install car tire strips around the perimeter of the door as a seal.
  6. Ensure the door can be quickly closed and secured in case of an explosion.

Ventilation Systems

Install overlapping-flaps blast valves (ORNL-DWG 3246-1) with 12″ diameter openings and 1″ thick rubber gaskets. For 15-psi overpressure scenarios, valves must be placed at least 15 feet from the shelter; for 50-psi scenarios, place valves 50 feet away. Use 8″ diameter ducts with 180-degree bends to reduce blast wave impact. Install 6″ diameter pressure relief valves (ORNL-DWG 3246-2) at 12″ intervals along ducts. Plywood Double-Action Piston Pumps from Appendix E are recommended for air circulation.

Step-by-Step Installation of Ventilation Systems

  1. Measure and mark the locations for blast valves and pressure relief valves.
  2. Excavate trenches for the ducts, ensuring proper alignment and depth.
  3. Install blast valves with 12″ diameter openings and 1″ thick rubber gaskets.
  4. Lay out 8″ diameter ducts with 180-degree bends to reduce blast wave impact.
  5. Install pressure relief valves at 12″ intervals along the ducts.
  6. Connect the ducts to the shelter using appropriate fittings.
  7. Install Plywood Double-Action Piston Pumps for air circulation.

Materials

Use 1/2″ or 3/4″ thick plywood, car tire strips, steel angle brackets, rubber gaskets, load binders, KAPs (Kinetic Air Pumps), and Plywood Double-Action Piston Pumps. Structural reinforcement requires 2x4s for door frames and secure fastening.

Material Specifications

  • Plywood: 1/2″ or 3/4″ thick
  • Car tire strips: 3/4″ thick
  • Steel angle brackets: 1″
  • Rubber gaskets: 1″ thick
  • Load binders: Ensure all components are securely fastened
  • KAPs: Kinetic Air Pumps for air circulation
  • Plywood Double-Action Piston Pumps: Recommended for air circulation

Structural Reinforcement

Blast testing shows 1/2″ plywood can withstand 15-psi overpressure at 15 feet. All components must be tested with 10 psi simulated blast pressure before use. For underground shelters, excavate 10″ diameter vertical shafts with 45-degree slopes for emergency egress.

Testing and Installation of Structural Reinforcement

  1. Test all components with 10 psi simulated blast pressure before use.
  2. Excavate 10″ diameter vertical shafts with 45-degree slopes for emergency egress.
  3. Ensure all structural components are securely fastened to prevent failure during an explosion.
  4. Use 2x4s for door frames and secure fastening.

Emergency Procedures

Ventilation systems must be tested for leaks and secured with load binders. Blast doors must be closed quickly to mitigate overpressure force. Ensure all components are securely fastened to prevent failure during an explosion.

Emergency Response Plan

  1. Test ventilation systems for leaks and secure with load binders.
  2. Close blast doors quickly to mitigate overpressure force.
  3. Ensure all components are securely fastened to prevent failure during an explosion.
  4. Follow emergency egress procedures for underground shelters.

Common Mistakes

  • Failing to test components with simulated blast pressure before use.
  • Not securing all components with load binders.
  • Not closing blast doors quickly enough to mitigate overpressure force.
  • Not following emergency egress procedures for underground shelters.

Practical Tips

  • Use car tire strips as door seals to ensure a tight fit.
  • Install Plywood Double-Action Piston Pumps for air circulation.
  • Excavate vertical shafts with 45-degree slopes for emergency egress.
  • Test all components with simulated blast pressure before use.
  • Follow emergency procedures to ensure safety during an explosion.
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