Fischer Highbond FHB II survives bomb test

Highbond anchors have played an important role in recent tests carried out in the UK designed to develop blast-proof glazing solutions. The tests were carried out by specialist glazing systems company Wrightstyle Ltd at an RAF base in the north of England, as part of an ongoing development programme for high security glazing systems.

FHB II anchors were used on two test units to fix a high strength steel profile glazing system, developed by rightstyle, into a reinforced concrete substrate. The system incorporated standard-sized structurally glazed units as part of a multi-pane narrow framed system, rather than the small bunker-like windows with oversized framing, previously considered essential to ensure blast-resistance. The use of such units in future building design opens up new architectural possibilities for blast-sensitive installations. It also helps progress ongoing research into reducing injuries caused by flying glass in bomb attacks. The assembly underwent explosive testing to simulate a lorry bomb, as well as a close proximity car bomb on the same test assembly. The glazing units and the FHB II anchors survived both explosions. All that was done following the first test was to retorque the nuts and check the assembly. fischer’s involvement in this project represents a growing area of expertise for the company. Within the last two years fischer FZP undercut anchors have also been used in a pioneering application on the Scottish Parliament building for the fabrication of that building’s unique anti-bomb blast doors.

Andrew Ross