Among the exhibitors at the International Security Expo, on November 28 and 29 at London Olympia are perimeter security product company RWS Ltd and Tarmac, showing their new product, which protects against both blast and ballistic threats – the only product of its kind, the firms claim. BBX is described as providing dual protection against blast and ballistic threats, achieving C15 blast resistance and BR7 ballistic resistance.
BBX is installed using normal construction methods. The makers say that the product prevents projectile penetration and spalling – a key danger to building occupants and equipment, which, up to now, has proven difficult to neutralise using singular construction systems.
Manufacturer of BBX Tarmac has partnered with RWS Ltd, who have worked on embassies, Ministry of Defence and other public sector buildings, designing and installing blast and ballistic products.
Projects Director Stewart Liberatore said the BBX can be included within new build and/or refurbishment projects.
“The BBX system truly is ground-breaking. We have worked with and installed products with either excellent ballistic or blast protection capabilities, but never both – it wasn’t believed to be possible. We are pleased to partner with Tarmac on this unique and innovative product and look forward to discussing its capabilities and properties with show visitors on the BBX stand (B61) at the International Security Expo.”
The BBX block system is similar to concrete blocks, composed of cement and fine aggregates, but using bespoke materials instead of stone aggregate as part of the mix. This material provides the block with tensile capacity and increased shear modulus, allowing the product to flex under force and dissipate the energy of a bullet and blast overpressure and preventing internal spalling. Due to its elastic properties, BBX can return to its original shape and preserve its structural integrity.
When compared to reinforced concrete and other equivalent blast or ballistic related materials, the BBX blocks are the same weight as a normal solid dense concrete block, and can be installed using traditional methods, incorporating their thin joint system.
Paul Beswick, Head of New Product Development at Tarmac Building Products Limited says: “BBX means for the first time we are able to use a single solution to terrorism and other armed threats. The system uses standard construction methods – this means building design is not negatively impacted and constructions costs can be kept down because the installation is both straightforward and time-efficient.”
Visit www.bbxblocks.com.
