Webinar

Glazed Facade Blast Design: Analyzing Security Upgrades for Enclosure Systems

Glazed Facade Blast Design: Analyzing Security Upgrades for Enclosure Systems

Most glazing systems are designed to work with everyday enclosure issues such as weatherproofing and thermal performance. When buildings require additional security, evaluating and designing these systems can be complex and will vary based on the system configuration. Analyzing glazed facade systems for blast loads requires recognizing how different systems are structured, where specific load paths can be traced, and what methods can be used to evaluate elements that are designed for much lower—but steady—everyday loads like wind. In this webinar, we will share common glazing system designs and show how to analyze the elements of these systems for a blast event.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Discuss common glazing system design criteria.
  • Understand the impact that security criteria will have on a conventional system.
  • Identify aspects of the design that require enhancements to resist unconventional loading.
  • Recognize performance compromises that may be required when designing a blast-resistant system relative to a conventional system.

Participants will earn 1.0 AIA CES Learning Unit (LU/HSW) for attending the live webinar. Registration is free. Please note that space is limited – email events@sgh.com to join our waitlist if the session is closed when you register. 

About the Speaker

Robert Abdallah
Robert Abdallah | Senior Consulting Engineer

Robert Abdallah specializes in building enclosure design, offering consultancy services that range from conceptual design to construction administration in both new and historic renovation projects. With a strong focus on numerical techniques, Robert is skilled in finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, blast protection strategies, and building science. His hands-on design portfolio spans custom curtain wall systems, aluminum structures, and glass assemblies, as well as blast-mitigating solutions. Robert has extensive experience with a variety of cladding systems, including unitized curtain walls, fenestration elements, skylights, structural glass balustrades, blast-resistant curtain walls, and rainscreen claddings using stone and metal panels.

Scott  Bondi
Scott Bondi | Senior Principal

Scott Bondi has extensive experience in building enclosure design, specializing in building science and numerical analysis. Scott consults on both new construction and historic renovation projects, from conceptual design through construction administration, applying his specific expertise in curtain wall and custom glazing systems. In addition, he is experienced in providing forensic engineering services and expert witness support for both building enclosure and mechanical systems. Scott uses a variety of advanced tools, including computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis, to support his design and investigative work. Scott is an adjunct professor at The Cooper Union, where he has lectured and developed courses in finite element techniques, computational fluid dynamics, and solid mechanics since 2007.