ISO 16934:2007

Overview

ISO 16934:2007 - "Glass in building - Explosion‑resistant security glazing - Test and classification by shock‑tube loading" defines a standardized shock‑tube test method and classification system for explosion‑pressure‑resistant glazing. The standard covers glazing made from glass, plastics, laminated and glass/plastic combinations, and film‑backed glass. It provides a repeatable procedure to determine blast resistance, classify glazing performance and assign a hazard rating based on shock‑tube simulations of high‑explosive detonations.

Key Topics

• Shock‑tube testing: Simulates blast waves equivalent to roughly 30 kg to 2 500 kg TNT at distances of about 35 m to 50 m, producing reflected pressures and impulses representative of façade exposure.
• Blast parameters: Classification is based on peak reflected pressure, positive‑phase impulse, positive‑phase duration, and waveform/decay coefficient.
• Damage & hazard criteria: Ratings depend on degrees of glazing damage and fragment impact hazard (fragments defined by a united dimension ≥ 25 mm).
• Specimen and framing:
  • Standard sheet specimen size for classification: (1 100 ± 5) mm × (900 ± 5) mm.
  • Minimum of three specimens required to classify a sheet material; one additional for pre‑test measurements.
  • Fenestration assemblies (complete framed units) can be tested and assessed but cannot be classified as sheet materials under this standard.
• Witness panel and fragment collection: Procedures for capturing and evaluating ejected fragments and witness panel perforations/indents to assess injury potential.
• Reporting and precision: Test report requirements and provisions for repeatability, precision and bias are set out to ensure consistent, comparable results.

Applications

ISO 16934:2007 is used where understanding and comparing blast resistance of glazing is critical:

• Glass and laminated glazing manufacturers seeking product classification for security glazing.
• Structural and façade engineers designing blast‑resistant windows and curtain walls.
• Security consultants and risk assessors evaluating glazing solutions for public buildings, critical infrastructure and high‑risk sites.
• Independent testing laboratories operating shock‑tube facilities to perform standardized blast tests.
• Architects and building owners specifying glazing for protection against accidental explosions or terrorist threats.

Note: A glazing classification under ISO 16934:2007 applies only to blasts with comparable characteristics and only when installed in an appropriate frame designed for blast loads.

Related Standards

• ISO 48:1994 (normative reference in ISO 16934:2007) - rubber hardness test used for components in test setups.
• National and industry blast‑testing standards and guidelines are often used in conjunction with ISO 16934:2007 for full system design and validation.