Architectural Approach toward Protecting Structures against Nuclear Explosion Threats and Hazards

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Egyptian Armed Forces.

2 Egyptian Armed Forces, M.T.C, Chief of the Architectural Department.

3 Egyptian Armed Forces, M.T.C, Assoc. Prof. Brig.

Abstract

Abstract: Despite the presence of many international proposals and treaties to limit and reduce nuclear weapons testing and stockpiling, still there are a number of countries that insist on having such kind of weapons. The threat of using nuclear weapon in a planned attack or in a terrorist attack is a matter that has to be taken in consideration in order to avoid or at least minimize its consequences. Hiroshima and Nagasaki images are still in memories, as the only historical cases in which the nuclear weapon was used. The nuclear tests are still ongoing, alerting that "there should be a counter action towards protection against the development of nuclear weapons" to avoid the recurrence of Hiroshima and Nagasaki disasters. This paper spotlights the physical effects of the nuclear weapon nature, evaluating the damages caused to structures and architectural elements exposed to nuclear detonations. It introduces some precautions that assist in improving the architectural design process, and hence improve the protection level against the nuclear threat.

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