In order to determine the effects of atomic explosions on small civil defense shelters for family use, 29 simple structures were built along an arc 1200 ft from the target point and exposed to Buster Bursts B, C, and D. The structures were of four basic types; covered-trench, metal-arch, wood-arch, and basement lean-to. Because of poor cohesive properties of the soil, much of the earth cover on the shelters was removed by the first shot. Since test procedures prevented restoration of structures and replacement of cover after each blast, test results were materially affected. Partly above-grade cover-trench shelters provided less …
continued below
Serving as both a federal and a state depository library, the UNT Libraries Government Documents Department maintains millions of items in a variety of formats. The department is a member of the FDLP Content Partnerships Program and an Affiliated Archive of the National Archives.
Descriptive information to help identify this report.
Follow the links below to find similar items on the Digital Library.
Description
In order to determine the effects of atomic explosions on small civil defense shelters for family use, 29 simple structures were built along an arc 1200 ft from the target point and exposed to Buster Bursts B, C, and D. The structures were of four basic types; covered-trench, metal-arch, wood-arch, and basement lean-to. Because of poor cohesive properties of the soil, much of the earth cover on the shelters was removed by the first shot. Since test procedures prevented restoration of structures and replacement of cover after each blast, test results were materially affected. Partly above-grade cover-trench shelters provided less protection against blast than belowgrade cover-trench shelters and were much less desirable as protection against gamma radiation. Metal-arch shelters set in concrete appeared to have good potentialities with minor design modifications. Wood-arch shelters as designed, proved to be unsuitable substitutes for metalarch shelters. No worthwhile information was obtained on basement lean-to shelters. Unusual conditions disclosed design deficiencies in entrance construction, front, and end sections, and effective earth cover. Small shelters are potentially capable of meeting requirements of civil defense. (auth)
This report is part of the following collection of related materials.
Office of Scientific & Technical Information Technical Reports
Reports, articles and other documents harvested from the Office of Scientific and Technical Information.
Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) is the Department of Energy (DOE) office that collects, preserves, and disseminates DOE-sponsored research and development (R&D) results that are the outcomes of R&D projects or other funded activities at DOE labs and facilities nationwide and grantees at universities and other institutions.
