BAM Test Site Technical Safety

Model building

  

The model building on the BAM Test Site Technical Safety consists of three test sections which are constructed in blow-out building method. The blow-out building method means that the force of an explosion, which may occur when handling explosive materials, is purposefully directed in one direction. The damage to surrounding buildings and equipment, in particular adjacent rooms, is thus minimised. Certain walls of the three test sections are built of very stable and reinforced concrete. The remaining walls and/or roofs consist of a light structure which provide practically no resistance to an explosion.

In the industry where explosive materials are being processed, similar buildings are used that have the same structure as the model building on the BAM TTS. Where accidents occur in the explosive processing industry the question usually asked is, which processes occurred in the course of the event and how does the observed destruction come about?

Test procedure

Explosion in model building

The model building enables accident scenarios to be simulated. The explosive materials are placed into a suitable room of the model building to the same extent and distribution as probably corresponds to the situation before the accident. The light-structure wall can thereby be adapted to the actual conditions. The reaction is started and all relevant effects are recorded. The recording on video (and high-speed photographs if necessary) and the use of pressure and temperature sensors are included. Distances of ejected fragments and the remains of the devices in the affected or adjacent rooms are also evaluated.

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