ISO 16933:2007

Overview

ISO 16933:2007 - Glass in building - Explosion‑resistant security glazing - Test and classification for arena air‑blast loading specifies a structured, repeatable arena air‑blast test method to determine and classify the air‑blast resistance of security glazing. The standard defines required apparatus, specimen preparation, test procedures and classification criteria for a range of blast conditions (including seven vehicle‑bomb and seven smaller satchel‑bomb standard blast scenarios). Classification is expressed in terms of peak positive air‑blast pressure and positive‑phase impulse and applies only to comparable blast characteristics and properly designed frames.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test scope and specimens
  • Minimum number of test specimens for classification (three tested + one for pre‑test measurements); standard specimen sizes and measurement points are specified.
  • Pre‑test marking, thickness measurements and photographic records required.
• Arena air‑blast setup
  • Open‑air test arena, safe standoff distances, blast mats and use of high‑explosive charges to generate specified pressure/impulse histories.
  • Instrumentation and witness panels to record fragments, indents and perforations.
• Mounting and frame conditions
  • Requirements for test frames, reaction structures and uniform clamping (rubber strips, edge capture, recommended bolt spacing).
  • Clamping pressure and frame stiffness tolerances are specified because mounting details materially affect results.
• Performance criteria and hazards
  • Definitions and classification criteria for breach, fragments, perforations, indents and hazard ratings.
  • Ratings tied explicitly to the measured blast characteristics; glazing certified under ISO 16933 is only suitable for comparable threats and correct installation.
• Supporting material
  • Normative and informative annexes cover blast parameter derivation, shock‑wave/explosive characteristics, nominal charge sizes/standoffs, and fragment definitions.
  • Normative reference example: ISO 48:1994 (rubber hardness measurement).

Applications

• Specifying, testing and validating explosion‑resistant glazing for buildings exposed to blast risk (vehicle bombs, satchel bombs).
• Guiding façade and glazing system design in security‑sensitive projects (government buildings, embassies, transport hubs, critical infrastructure).
• Providing laboratory test protocols for independent testing facilities and manufacturers to certify glazing performance and generate comparable ratings.
• Informing risk assessments and selection of glazing systems as part of blast‑resistant design strategies.

Who should use this standard

• Glazing and laminated glass manufacturers
• Test laboratories and certification bodies
• Security consultants, façade and structural engineers
• Architects, building owners and facility managers specifying blast‑resistant glazing
• Regulators and procurement authorities for high‑security buildings

Related standards

• ISO 48:1994 (referenced for rubber hardness in mounting materials)
• See ISO 16933 annexes for additional blast parameter guidance and fragment criteria.

Keywords: ISO 16933:2007, explosion‑resistant glazing, security glazing, air‑blast test, arena air‑blast, blast‑resistant glazing, glazing classification, glass in building.