ASTM F2927 : 21(2024)

1.1 This test method identifies the standard procedures that shall be followed when utilizing either an air blast simulator, shock tube, or a controlled open-air explosion to evaluate the blast capacity of a door system. This test method is designed for all types of swinging doors, including single and double doors construction. This method is used to test complete door assemblies. The door panel(s) may also contain one or more integral vision lites (part of the glazing system). The door assembly shall be arranged so that the initial blast force either acts to seat the door panel(s) into the frame or unseat the door panel(s) from the frame to simulate the blast threat. When the initial blast force acts to unseat the door(s) from the frame, the force is concentrated on the restraining hardware (that is, the latching mechanism, the hinges, and the frame connection). The results gathered from this method can be used for door installations in non-rigid wall openings. The test method may be adapted to horizontal sliding and vertical-lift doors.

1.2 When testing with an explosive charge, a charge in-contact with the test specimen or any charge resulting in high localized loading is not covered by this method. When testing with an explosive charge to this standard, to avoid brittle modes of response from the blast, the scaled range of the charge shall be (1.19 m/kg)^1/3 (3 ft/lb)^1/3 or greater from the test specimen, with an absolute minimum of 1 m (39 in.) standoff of the charge from the test specimen.

1.3 Swinging doors that may be required to resist or mitigate the effects of a blast shall have restraining hardware (latching mechanisms and hinges). The performance of these items is critical in determining the blast resisting or mitigating properties of a door assembly. A door assembly may also contain ancillary hardware. Although many of these critical restraining and ancillary items are mounted on what is deemed the “safe side” of the door system, the test director must verify whether these items stay affixed to the assembly or become dislodged from the assembly. Hardware items that dislodge from the door or frame during the test and become a flying debris hazard shall be assigned a door response damage category as defined in Table 1. When the test results of a door system do not include ancillary hardware as specified by the specifier, it shall be the responsibility of the test sponsor or vendor/manufacturer to determine the risk of an ancillary component becoming a flying debris hazard to the satisfaction of the specifier.

1.4 Unless otherwise specified by end user, this test method and the resulting data are valid for the door size tested, and for smaller doors of identical construction (including any ancillary hardware) with a similar (±20 %) aspect ratio up to 25 % smaller. Acceptance criteria are divided into five door response damage categories (Categories I, II, III, IV, and V). Damage Category III has two subcategories: III/U that permits an unsecured door after the loading event and III/S that requires a secured door after the loading event. Refer to 7.1 and Table 1 for a description of each category.

1.5 A door assembly may also contain ancillary hardware. Although these hardware components may not influence blast resistance performance, the specifier may wish to verify that these items do not dislodge from the door or frame during a test and become a flying debris hazard.

1.6 For doors equipped with a vision lite, the door shall be evaluated using the door response damage categories in Table 1, and the glazing and glazing system of the vision lite shall also be evaluated using the glazing hazard levels in Table 2 (see also 7.5).

1.7 This method is intended to test the blast capacity of a door assembly from a shock wave. It does not attempt to address all testing required of door assemblies. These tests may include, but are not limited to, charge-in-contact blast resistance, forced entry resistance, ballistic resistance, fire resistance, sound attenuation, and gas or water leakage. These types of tests are not covered by this test method.

1.8 This test method does not verify the blast performance of the wall that a tested door will be placed in.

1.9 The values stated in SI units (International System of Units) are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only.

1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.