Barrier-protected container

Abstract

A blast-and projectile-impact resistant structure comprising a freight container which is at least partially clad internally and / or externally with a barrier structure comprising a single panel or a plurality of panels of matrix material incorporating reinforcement elements, the structure having means for human entry into and exit from the interior of the container located in a wall and, if necessary also in the barrier structure.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a structure, useful for storage or accommodation, comprising a freight container clad internally and / or externally with a barrier structure constructed from panels of reinforced matrix material. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] There is a need for blast and / or ballistic (i.e. projectile) impact resistant storage or accommodation structures for use in battle zones or in locations near explosive hazard sites. One known type of structure comprises a metal container which is encased in poured concrete. According to European Patent Application EP-A-0233808, the metal container encased in this way may be a standard freight container (also called a shipping container) of the kind which is familiar for being transported on the trailer of an articulated road vehicle, on a rail wagon, on the deck of a container ship, or in the hold of transport aircraft. [0003] Encasing a freight container in concrete has some drawbacks. For example, the container must be pl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an alternative to the commonly used but heavy and unreliable concrete encased freight containers for blast and ballistic resistance. The invention is a blast and ballistic resistant structure that is more convenient, reliable, and lighter than the traditional containers. The structure includes a walled freight container enclosing an interior volume of space, with a barrier structure that is clad internally and externally of the container. The barrier structure is made up of panels that are fixed to the container walls and / or a separate panel support system. The panels may be made of reinforced matrix material, such as cement, ceramic, metallic, or resinous. The barrier structure is designed to resist damaging perforation, translation, rotation, and deformation under blast and ballistic impact forces. The invention provides a more efficient and reliable solution for blast and ballistic resistance in freight containers."

Problems solved by technology

For example, the container must be placed in a hole in the ground and the concrete poured into the hole, or formwork must be erected around the container to contain the poured concrete; it is often difficult to mix on site the large quantities of concrete required; the resultant encased structure is extremely heavy; poured concrete requires many days to harden to the extent necessary for blast or ballistic protection; and it may be difficult or impossible to arrange reinforcement in the concrete in optimal configuration.

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