Blast-resistant barrier
A blast-resistant barrier comprising a plurality of units each including a panel having a thickness of greater than 20 to less than 40 millimeter is disclosed. The panel is in the form of a monolithic polycarbonate sheet or laminate that is positioned vertically between the source of a blast and the blast target, the laminate including at least two polycarbonate sheets and an optional image layer interposed therebetween. The panel is fixedly attached to a frame which is firmly embedded in concrete in a manner calculated to provide stiffness sufficient to absorb and withstand external forces resulting from said blast. In a preferred embodiment the panel includes at least two polycarbonate sheets laminated one to the other, optionally including an image layer interposed therebetween. In an additional embodiment, the frame is anchored securely to the target enabling dissipation of the blast force through the target's structure. The height of the blast-resistant barrier is preferably proportional to the height of the target.
1 . A blast-resistant barrier comprising one or more units each including a panel fixedly attached to a frame, said panel being greater than 20 and less than 40 millimeter in thickness and including at least one polycarbonate sheet is vertically positioned between the source of a blast and the blast target.
2 . The barrier of claim 1 wherein said frame comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
3 . The barrier of claim 1 wherein said frame is grounded in concrete.
4 . The barrier of claim 1 wherein said frame is anchored in the target.
5 . The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is concave with its hollow side fronting said source.
6 . The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is in the form of a monolithic polycarbonate sheet.
7 . The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is in the form of a laminate containing more than one polycarbonate sheet.
8 . The barrier of claim 7 further comprising an image layer interposed between said sheets.
9 . The barrier of claim 8 wherein said image layer contains at least one member selected from the group consisting of fabric, photograph, paper, wire, screen, rod, bar, grass and plant.
10 . The barrier of claim 9 wherein said member is encapsulated in a polymeric resin compatible with said member and said polycarbonate.
11 . The barrier of claim 1 wherein at least one surface of said panel is hard-coated.
12 . The barrier of claim 1 wherein at least one surface of said panel is embossed.
13 . The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel contains a UV-stabilizer.
14 . The barrier of claim 1 wherein said frame has a “C” cross-section.
15 . The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is fixedly attached to said frame by a plurality of bolts.
16 . The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel is adhesively attached to said frame.
17 . The barrier of claim 1 wherein said panel contains at least two polycarbonate sheets bonded one to the other by an adhesive.
18 . The barrier of claim 17 wherein the adhesive is thermoplastic polyurethane.