Threat Protection 

Ballistics

Ballistic protection level ratings are based on the number of rounds and the size of the weapon(s) posing a threat – from small caliber handguns to high caliber rifles. High caliber, high velocity weapons fire projectiles that deliver a large amount of energy to a door, window or wall system. To be effective, the total system of anchor, frame, door material and glazing material must absorb the energy from the projectile. The framing system must also be capable of stopping the potential threat and retain the glazing system during attack. Installing bullet resistant glazing in a non-certified frame will not ensure the desired level of protection. Any ballistic glazing certified to meet a ballistic standard, must be retained in a certified framing system. North American Bullet Proof designs the total system of components to achieve the specified level of protection.

Forced Entry

Forced entry is the attempted penetration of a door or window using a wide variety of tools. These tools may include, but are not limited to sledge hammers, pry bars, wood splitting mauls, fire axes, battering rams, gasoline, acetone, propane torches and CO2 fire extinguishers. The number of people, the tools used, and the duration of the attack vary among the standards used to measure forced entry resistance. One of the most stringent standards is used by the Department of State for overseas embassies and diplomatic facilities. North American Bullet Proof is proud to be one of only a few companies in the world certified by the Department of State to build forced entry products to this standard. Other standards include ASTM F1233 for glazing material, ASTM F588 for windows, and ASTM F476 for doors. These standards have multiple levels of ratings based on the severity of the threat.

Blast

Blast protection must be considered in design when a facility is a potential target or when a building is located in the vicinity of a potential target. The blast from an explosion does not discriminate and will expand radially from its point of origin until it encounters a solid structure, such as a wall with windows and doors.

The blast then causes a pressure to be applied to the windows and doors for a period of time (duration). This creates an impulse or an amount of energy that is imparted to the window and/or door. A portion of this energy is absorbed by the window and/or door through the flexing of the glazing material. The remainder of the energy is transferred to the framing system and anchors.

Minimal rotation of the frame is allowed to ensure the glazing is retained. North American Bullet Proof's engineering professionals perform a complete computer analysis for each blast application. Anchor bolts are analyzed and furnished as part of a system package to ensure design criteria are satisfied during installation.