Wood Sandwich Constructions Subjected to Small Caliber Impact

Abstract

The behavior of wooden constructions under accidental actions has not been investigated in detail yet. Therefore, the suitability of wooden elements for structural protection and the behavior of wood under high strain rates are mostly unknown. This raises the question whether buildings made of wooden materials are sufficiently resistant to prevent collapse in situations of danger and threat resulting in high dynamic actions. In this contribution former findings as well as the increase in the resistance of different types of wood materials under high strain rates are discussed. In addition, the results of ballistic field tests and the suitability of wooden constructions for structural protection against small caliber impact are presented. These tests were conducted on wood-based sandwich constructions by the Institute of Engineering Mechanics and Structural Mechanics, University of the Bundeswehr, Munich. The wood sandwich constructions consist of three-layered concrete shuttering panels, made of spruce wood filled with different materials. The fillings comprise mainly granular media which can easily be filled into the constructions. Additionally, alternative configurations were tested.