In the light of recent terrorists' attacks on facilities throughout the world, planners,
architects and engineers are beginning to re-visit conventional approaches in the design of
high-security facilities. Increasingly, existing the strategic installations are being protected to
survive a limited threat. These actions are essential to mitigate the hazardous effects of
explosions and impact. Important facilities are made to a generally higher degree of robustness
than conventional installations.
Protection can be provided by provision of a massive outer structure or by ensuring
large stand-off distance. Given the typical location of installations such as embassies,
government and other office buildings, which could be subjected to terrorist attack, at the heart
of major cities, it is not normally possible to ensure appropriate stand-off distance. A massive
outer structure may be too expensive and inconsistent with the functionality and image of the
installations.
The Architect has a contribution to make in the enhancement of structural survivability
by optimizing the configuration (shape, form, elevation, cross section, etc.) to provide a
measure of protection without compromising appearance and utility.
This paper presents the findings from a program of research, which explores the
opportunities offered by an effective architectural approach. A group of scenarios simulated
and examined by analysis the concept of using new protection techniques, as assessed using
the AUTODYN computer simulation package in 2D & 3D V4.[1]