THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Thursday, 7 August 2008
103/2008
BLAST-PROOF BUILDINGS ON THE DRAWING BOARD
A new collaborative research program between the Defence Science and
Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the University of Adelaide will lead to better
protection of buildings against bomb attacks, the Minister for Defence Science and
Personnel, Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, announced today.
Mr Snowdon said the three-year research program will evaluate and develop
materials and engineering solutions to minimise the effects of terrorist explosions
aimed at civilian and military facilities.
“The outcomes of this joint research will greatly improve the strength of Australia’s
critical infrastructure,” Mr Snowdon said.
“DSTO has considerable experience in investigating the results of explosive blasts on
physical structures and this expertise will be extremely valuable in developing anti-
blast design standards for architectural applications.”
The research will focus on studying the performance of ultra high performance
concrete materials when subjected to blast loads. DSTO will conduct the blast testing
and analyse the data.
“The research will contribute to the design of future blast-resistant concrete
structures and ultimately to the development of blast mitigating technologies,” Mr
Snowdon said.
Other partners in the research program include the construction engineering
company VSL Australia and the Buffalo-based State University of New York in the
USA.
Mr Snowdon welcomed the growing collaboration between DSTO, industry and the
university sector.
“The blast protection program for buildings is another example of a strong research
relationship that contributes jointly to the national interest,” Mr Snowdon said.
“There is considerable scope for such collaboration and I look forward to Australian
universities working closely with DSTO on innovative solutions to enhance defence
capability.”
Media contacts:
Kate Sieper (Mr Snowdon)
02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689
Jimmy Hafesjee (DSTO)
02 6128 6376 or 0404 042 457
Defence Media Liaison
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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