Not every facility needs to plan for explosive threats, but for some, it's a critical concern. From industrial accidents to intentional blasts, shockwaves can shatter glass, send debris flying, and compromise building integrity in an instant. In these high-risk environments, blast-resistant glazing is about protecting property and saving lives.
ASTM F1642 is a specialized testing standard that helps manufacturers and specifiers evaluate how glazing systems perform under explosive airblast loadings. While not relevant for every project, it plays an essential role in protecting mission-critical facilities where blast resilience may be part of a layered security plan.
What Is ASTM F1642?
ASTM F1642 is a standard developed by ASTM International that measures how well glazing and glazing systems (such as windows and curtain walls) perform when subjected to airblast loadings—simulated explosions generated in a controlled test environment. Rather than focusing on bullets or break-ins, this standard evaluates the ability of a system to remain intact under extreme pressure caused by blasts.
This testing is especially relevant for:
- Government buildings
- Embassies and military facilities
- Utility plants and critical infrastructure
- Airports and transportation hubs
- Buildings near high-risk industrial zones
How ASTM F1642 Testing Works
Under ASTM F1642, glazing and glazing systems are tested in controlled blast chambers using simulated explosive events. The goal is to understand how well a system withstands airblast loadings: the intense pressure wave created by an explosion. These are not theoretical simulations; they involve actual explosive charges in a test facility designed to mimic real-world blast conditions.
During testing, the system is mounted in a frame and exposed to a specific overpressure and impulse, which represent different blast scenarios (e.g., a truck bomb at varying standoff distances). High-speed cameras and sensors capture every aspect of the test specimen's response in detail.
Test evaluations focus on:
- Glazing Breakage Behavior: Does the glass crack, fracture, or remain intact? If it breaks, does it stay in place, or does it dislodge?
- Fragment Projection (Spall): Are glass fragments or debris thrown into the interior space? If so, how far do they travel, and would they pose a risk to building occupants?
- Frame and Anchoring System Performance: Does the test frame deform, detach, or otherwise compromise the integrity of the glazing system? Is the attachment to the surrounding structure secure?
- Overall System Response: Is the barrier able to absorb the blast energy and remain functional as a protective element, or does it allow breach and potential injury?
Each system is assigned a hazard rating based on its performance, ranging from:
- Low Hazard (glass cracks but remains in the frame, minimal risk to occupants), to
- High Hazard (glazing dislodges or sends debris into the occupied space).
These ratings give architects, engineers, and security consultants quantifiable metrics to compare products and guide material selection for projects where blast risk must be addressed—without compromising visibility, daylighting, or design intent.
Other ASTM Standards That Support Physical Security
ASTM F1642 is part of a broader family of standards that address different types of threats in the built environment. These include:
- ASTM F1233: Tests the forced-entry resistance of glazing materials, including both blunt object impact and ballistic protection.
- ASTM F1915: Focuses on glazing systems in detention and correctional facilities, where materials must withstand both attack and long-term wear.
- ASTM D256: Measures the impact resistance of plastics, offering insight into how certain glazing components may respond to blunt force attacks.
Each of these standards plays a role in helping design professionals, contractors, and security leaders build facilities that are resilient, code-compliant, and prepared for worst-case scenarios.
Please note: Total Security Solutions does not offer any blast-rated products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by "desired peak pressure" in ASTM F1642 testing?
The desired peak pressure refers to the maximum overpressure (measured in psi) that the system must withstand during testing. This blast load, paired with impulse duration, simulates a real-world explosion scenario at a given distance. Together, these define the airblast loading parameters used to evaluate hazard potential. During the test, the shock wave is designed to strike approximately a plane surface of the system to verify consistency and repeatability.
What does ASTM F1642 evaluate besides the glass itself?
ASTM F1642 assesses the performance of the entire system, not just the glazing. This includes the frame, mounting, anchorage, and connections. The test is intended to verify proper operation under blast conditions—measuring whether the glazing tested remains intact, if the framing system holds, and how far debris travels. Systems that pass with low hazard ratings provide better occupant safety by limiting fragmentation and structural failure.
What equipment is used during ASTM F1642 testing?
ASTM F1642 testing relies on high-speed data collection to evaluate how a glazing system responds to an explosive blast. The core equipment includes pressure sensors, displacement gauges, and high-speed cameras—often supplemented by other electronic measuring devices to capture detailed information about fragment velocity, frame deformation, and system response over time. These devices work together to ensure test results are accurate, repeatable, and reflective of real-world performance.
Is ASTM F1642 required by building codes or government regulations?
ASTM F1642 isn’t typically mandated for most commercial buildings—but some projects, especially those involving government, military, or high-risk infrastructure, may be subject to regulatory limitations prior to design or material selection. These limitations often come from agencies like the GSA or DoD, which may require blast-rated materials to meet specific threat profiles.
How do I know if my facility needs to meet ASTM F1642?
It depends on your location, threat profile, and regulatory environment. If your project involves federal infrastructure, diplomatic buildings, utilities, or lies near high-risk industrial zones, you may need to include blast-rated glazing.
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Related Resources
Our goal is to help you make informed decisions that protect your people, secure your assets, and support your mission—without sacrificing design or functionality. These resources offer guidance for your project.
Ballistic Glazing Solutions Guide
The 8 Levels of Bullet Resistant Glass
Guide to Improving Physical Security By Addressing the Human Factor
