Rapid Construction for Hardening Above-Ground Facilities to Small Arms Fire.

摘要

The purpose of this research was to develop an efficient structural system for the rapid construction of above-ground hardened shelters in the theater of operations. This system would have a short construction time, use unskilled labor, and be capable of resisting small arms fire and bomb blast concussion and fragmentation. Two material systems were considered: (1) standard concrete block with a surface bond material using no conventional mortar joints, and (2) ferrocement-several layers of wire mesh impregnated with Portland cement mortar. The standard concrete block system was chosen based on results of a series of laboratory tests, and a full-scale shelter was designed, constructed, and tested to determine its actual protective capabilities. It was found that surface-bonded concrete walls having block cells filled with mortar or pea gravel provide complete protection from weapons such as the M16, M1911, and M60 in addition, such structures can be built rapidly by unskilled workers. Lightweight concrete blocks having cells filled with steel-fiber mortar will provide complete protection from M14 and M16 rifles, M1911 pistols, and M2 machine guns. (Author)